What do you do when your co-teacher is stuck in the same behavior traps we talked about over the past 2 weeks — either overly strict or overly permissive — and it’s making your job harder?
This is a tough spot many teachers find themselves in.
You might be striving to be playful but not permissive, setting calm, confident limits, and connecting through play — but if your teammate’s approach doesn’t match, it can cause confusion for the kids and frustration for you.
Here are a few ideas that have helped teachers I work with:
Start with open, honest conversations. Share what you’re noticing, and ask how they feel about behavior challenges. Sometimes just naming the struggle can open the door.
Model your approach. Kids pick up on consistent limits and playfulness. Over time, your co-teacher may notice how well it works.
Pick your battles. You don’t have to change everything at once. Focus on a few key routines or transitions where you can tweak together so you can be more consistent.
Ask for support. If you’re feeling stuck, talk to your director or a coach who understands these challenges. Sometimes a third perspective helps shift the team culture.
Remember, it’s not about blame — it’s about teamwork and finding a way to give kids the consistency and connection they need.
If you want more ideas or want to share your experience working with a co-teacher on this, I’d love to hear from you.
➡️ Post your ideas, thoughts or stories in the comments below.