Tiger TEAM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tiger Team exactly?
Tiger TEAM was designed with the student in mind. While most classrooms at Willard South typically have an average of 20 students, Tiger TEAM pairs up two classrooms and utilizes the teachers from both classrooms as they work together with each student. The idea comes from a "co-teaching" concept where two teachers instruct, plan, and work closely together to maximize student learning and design how each student will spend their day. Students are assigned a "homeroom teacher", however, both teachers will work closely with all students throughout the day. In essence, students will report to two teachers and mix with students from the two classrooms combined.
Isn't it ideal to have smaller classes?
In most cases, yes, however, due to the structure of Tiger TEAM the ratio of teacher to student is the same as a regular classroom. Currently we have 42 students on Tiger TEAM and two teachers. As you can see, that is an average of 21 students per teacher. This ratio is not taking into consideration the additional help students will receive throughout the day through BASE, tutoring, and A+ students which means even more individualized attention for each child.
Won't discipline be an issue with so many students in one room?
One might think that would be the case. In our experience with this structure, behavior was often better than when students were in a one teacher classroom. Having two teachers in the classroom at one time is helpful in many ways. While one teacher fully concentrates on instructing, the other teacher is constantly circulating and keeping tabs on students, including students who may be misbehaving. This allows the lessons to be conveyed more effectively since there is always a teacher tending to undesirable behaviors while the other teacher can be left to do what they do best.
So who will actually be teaching my child, Mrs. Yates or Mrs. Vaughan?
Tiger TEAM is just that...a TEAM. Each teacher will take turns instructing throughout the day. For example, one teacher may have a very successful way of teaching the math concept on a particular day so they would teach the lesson while the other teacher circulates. Later that day, the other teacher may have special expertise in an area we are studying in theme. Both teachers will be involved in some aspect in the learning that takes place during a lesson. While one teacher is instructing the other teacher can more quickly identify students who are struggling or who may need some clarification. The circulating teacher will design breakout groups after the lesson is given and both teachers will work with students who have not yet mastered the concept. In addition to this, we know all students learn differently and will sometimes need another point of view or further explanation to clear up their thinking. The co-teaching idea is great because each teacher can "pipe in" an idea or a thought to clarify for students who are struggling.
Will the daily schedule look similar to the schedule of a regular classroom?
Yes, the amount of time a teacher would dedicate to math, reading, writing, and theme are the same in Tiger TEAM.
Does that mean I have to buy 42 treats when my child celebrates their birthday!?
We do EVERYTHING as a team, which includes birthday celebrations. Please do not feel obligated to bring in birthday treats if it is your child's birthday. It is not required. However, please know that quick, easy, and cheap treats can be found and students will be thankful should you choose to bring them in, We understand that 42 is a lot to buy for.
Who should I call if my child is having a problem in class?
Due to the fact that both teachers are working closely will all students, you may contact either Mrs. Yates or Mrs. Vaughan at any time. If you call your child's "homeroom" teacher they may be able to help you with your question or at least direct you to the teacher who was working with your child at the time.
Do I have to schedule two Parent Teacher Conferences now?
No, we will hold our conferences as a team. On a side note, you will receive even MORE input about your child from two teachers who work with them in different settings!
Have another question? JUST ASK! :-)
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tiger TEAM was designed with the student in mind. While most classrooms at Willard South typically have an average of 20 students, Tiger TEAM pairs up two classrooms and utilizes the teachers from both classrooms as they work together with each student. The idea comes from a "co-teaching" concept where two teachers instruct, plan, and work closely together to maximize student learning and design how each student will spend their day. Students are assigned a "homeroom teacher", however, both teachers will work closely with all students throughout the day. In essence, students will report to two teachers and mix with students from the two classrooms combined.
Isn't it ideal to have smaller classes?
In most cases, yes, however, due to the structure of Tiger TEAM the ratio of teacher to student is the same as a regular classroom. Currently we have 42 students on Tiger TEAM and two teachers. As you can see, that is an average of 21 students per teacher. This ratio is not taking into consideration the additional help students will receive throughout the day through BASE, tutoring, and A+ students which means even more individualized attention for each child.
Won't discipline be an issue with so many students in one room?
One might think that would be the case. In our experience with this structure, behavior was often better than when students were in a one teacher classroom. Having two teachers in the classroom at one time is helpful in many ways. While one teacher fully concentrates on instructing, the other teacher is constantly circulating and keeping tabs on students, including students who may be misbehaving. This allows the lessons to be conveyed more effectively since there is always a teacher tending to undesirable behaviors while the other teacher can be left to do what they do best.
So who will actually be teaching my child, Mrs. Yates or Mrs. Vaughan?
Tiger TEAM is just that...a TEAM. Each teacher will take turns instructing throughout the day. For example, one teacher may have a very successful way of teaching the math concept on a particular day so they would teach the lesson while the other teacher circulates. Later that day, the other teacher may have special expertise in an area we are studying in theme. Both teachers will be involved in some aspect in the learning that takes place during a lesson. While one teacher is instructing the other teacher can more quickly identify students who are struggling or who may need some clarification. The circulating teacher will design breakout groups after the lesson is given and both teachers will work with students who have not yet mastered the concept. In addition to this, we know all students learn differently and will sometimes need another point of view or further explanation to clear up their thinking. The co-teaching idea is great because each teacher can "pipe in" an idea or a thought to clarify for students who are struggling.
Will the daily schedule look similar to the schedule of a regular classroom?
Yes, the amount of time a teacher would dedicate to math, reading, writing, and theme are the same in Tiger TEAM.
Does that mean I have to buy 42 treats when my child celebrates their birthday!?
We do EVERYTHING as a team, which includes birthday celebrations. Please do not feel obligated to bring in birthday treats if it is your child's birthday. It is not required. However, please know that quick, easy, and cheap treats can be found and students will be thankful should you choose to bring them in, We understand that 42 is a lot to buy for.
Who should I call if my child is having a problem in class?
Due to the fact that both teachers are working closely will all students, you may contact either Mrs. Yates or Mrs. Vaughan at any time. If you call your child's "homeroom" teacher they may be able to help you with your question or at least direct you to the teacher who was working with your child at the time.
Do I have to schedule two Parent Teacher Conferences now?
No, we will hold our conferences as a team. On a side note, you will receive even MORE input about your child from two teachers who work with them in different settings!
Have another question? JUST ASK! :-)
[email protected]
[email protected]