THINGS ARE CHANGING | what i am teaching next year, new room

Hey everyone my name is Katie and I am a teacher in Florida! So excited to share with you guys what I'll be teaching next year!! So hard to believe this will be my seventh year as a teacher!
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[@mellisaleonard418]

I have taught for 27 yrs and 5 were departmentalized. Those have been my most enjoyable years. The movement is good for the students. The connections are still there, despite those that insist connections are not- they are! Focused lesson planning lets you perfect your lessons and have time to enhance/supplement materials. Also, behaviors are less because patience for chunks of time is so helpful to you and students. Let’s face it, all day with continued behavior is challenging. Best of luck!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yayyyy thank you for your optimism and for sharing!! 😊

[@karingoodine7835]

For me, Departmenalizing is so draining. I enjoyed the flexibility of teaching everything to one group of students as oppose to the same thing over and over to three times as many kids and having to align with another teacher, whose teaching style may be totally different...not my favorite 😢 But different strokes for different folks! Wish you all the best this year! 🎉

[@Heather_renee]

Last year I was moved from 1st grade self contained to second grade ELA and it was the BEST thing ever!! It was so nice being able to focus on one subject. I think you’ll love it!

[@TanyaAnderson45]

I'm also departmentalized ELA 3rd grade in Florida! I've been departmentalized for about 4 years. The pros and cons are: Pros: Planning is easier, the day FLYS by, and if you have any challenging students you only have them half a day lol, my team teacher and I do parent conferences together so its nice to have another teacher there with you. Cons: Double the amount of students and double the grading, it's difficult to build a classroom community with 50 students, every instructional minute counts and you cannot waste a minute unlike when you're self contained you can tweak your schedule if a lesson runs longer or shorter then expected. Good luck!

[@fun_in_fifth]

I agree with all of that!! I found I had to be intentional with my second block because I had them for 120 minutes and there was no flexibility with our time!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

GREAT list!! Thank you for sharing!

[@karingoodine7835]

Agree

[@adrianagarza7114]

For me, it was a blessing. Planning is easier. I had more time to think about more interesting and fun activities with the kids. I think I did a better job because I was happier and more focused on a few subjects instead of so many. I compared the results of my kids to when I wasnt departmentalized and they did so much better! I think it is great!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! This is so encouraging 😊

[@Ash06TSU]

I am departmentalized in first grade. I teach reading, and we have writing, and math. This was our first full year departmentalized we did it 12 weeks I the year before. There are some positives and negatives about it for sure. The biggest negative for me was not making as strong as bonds with my students as I have in the past. But on the plus side I get to know every kid in first grade this way. I also like the fact that I get to be an expert with the content I am teaching. Any questions just ask.

[@wilianette]

I am also departmentalized for 3years! & its great! Its good for the kids since they get to experience two different teaching styles. They also become more independent and organized. The key to make it smooth is good communication with your math partner teacher 😊 & be on the same page on routines and consequences. If you got that its makes it fun for both classes✨🎉🎉 Good Luck! God bless you!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you for the advice!! 😊

[@LastFour04]

I’ve been departmentalized for the last eight years (also in FL). Seven of those were in kindergarten and last year I looped to first. I’m math and science and I absolutely love it! The pros heavily outweigh the cons. You truly get to focus on your subject matter and you have time to take those deep dives and create impactful and engaging lessons. Your students also get two teachers that love them. The only con I can think of is timing. You have to stick to a transition schedule…. Which because I don’t wear a watch, I sometimes forgot about and ended up with my co-teacher and students lined up at my door.😂 You’ve got this!

[@jakethiringer1698]

I taught departmentalized last year and enjoyed it. I taught 5th Grade Math Science, and Social Studies while another teacher taught Reading and Writing! Next year I’ll be teaching K-5 Music at 2 schools in a new district so I’m excited for that!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Congrats on the new music position! How fun!!

[@RistrettoReader]

I’m also third grade RELA (with integrated social studies) and I LOVE departmentalized! You’ll need to be super on top of switch procedures with your partner and hit it really hard at BOY so that you don’t have to deal with “I left my pencil pouch in the other class can I go get it?” Some on my team have a cubby bin that travels between rooms with each kid but my setup was baskets holding journals, class jobs to have things passed out, and a pencil parking lot so they always have a pencil in my room. You’ll come to find that the classes are so different and I like how the vibe was different from morning to afternoon.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you for sharing your experience and for the advice ♥

[@DisneyPoppinsDisney]

Headphones in a basket to travel

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

You can make a new move to classroom vlog

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

@@kaylayoungblood9577 yes! Classroom set up series will start on Saturday!

[@maliquiroz9796]

You will love it!!! God bless you.

[@lifewithmrsleet3708]

SO happy you’re still teaching third grade!! I departmentalized my first year of teaching third grade. There are definitely a lot of positives - planning only one subject (or a few - not sure how you’re doing science & ss), getting to be more of an expert in that subject, I felt like I was able to do more fun things because I was putting my all into one subject area, making a connection with a lot of kids, getting a fresh start with a different group of kids every day, etc. My cons were rooted in me being new to the grade level and unfamiliar with the school, curriculum, etc. I can’t wait to hear about your experience & learn more about third grade ELA from you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions but since I only had one year of experience with it I’m definitely not an expert lol

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Awww thank you so much for sharing your experience!! I am glad I taught it all first because I feel like I still have a wholistic picture of the grade, even though I'll only be teaching half the subjects now

[@Brittanythediaryofateacher]

I taught 3rd ELA departmentalized for my first three years. I loved it and my team teacher was my work mom. Easy planning especially for subs. The hardest part is that will be expectations with both classes because they won’t have consistency no matter how similar you teach. I eventually started missing teaching everything and went to teach kindergarten/first which I love

[@AbbieRohrbach]

I teach 5th grade and we are departmentalized! I LOVE it! I teach reading for my team. It is so so so much fun! The only downside, which is also an upside, is you only get your kiddos once a day. So, it takes longer to build those relationships, but they do come over time. Best wishes on your new teaching journey!

[@patriciagallop2551]

I love being departmentalized. The most important advice that I can give is the behavior management rules and consequences should be the same. Then the students know they are expected to behave the same in both classes. Good luck and have a great summer.

[@puttingthemfirst]

When this started with you taking down the ELA board I thought you were going to announce you got departmentalized to Math and I was sad about all of your awesome books not being used… but PLOT TWIST!! How exciting (and also new and surely a bit stressful). You’re going to crush it! Also loving your hair 😍

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Aww thank you!!! Admin decided what subject we will teach which is probably for the best because I have NO IDEA how I would ever have decided!! I love reading AND math, but am excited to focus on reading 😊

[@nicolespivey9521]

Departmentalized is what I have always dealt with so I can't imagine having the same group all day. It makes planning so much easier. It is also nice to see different faces through out the day. I spent 19 years at the same school. I was in special ed for 14 years then I taught math for 7 years. This year I switched schools, but there were no math openings so I went back to special ed. I would love to be back in math one day, but if not that is ok too. I will be done in about six years.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am looking forward to easier planning for sure!

[@sav_020]

I love getting to learn about, teach, and love on more students by being departmentalized. A 3-way-split in 3rd was my absolute favorite year ever! Good teaching partners and a top favorite group of kids I’ve ever had! More students=more memories! I’ve never had negative teaching partner experiences. Teachers who stay teachable and flexible can build a routine with anyone.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yayyy thank you for sharing Savannah!! 🥹🥰

[@marisolmartin1329]

We did departmentalized for 4th grade and I taught Science and I loved it. Our tests scores went through the roof because we could focus on one subject all day and adjust the content between classes.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yayy! So great to hear!!

[@DisneyPoppinsDisney]

Agree!

[@JesseB38]

I would say a pro to being departmentalized would be that planning will be easier for you. I hope you enjoy it!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yes, I have heard this is the biggest pro so I am leaning into it! 😊

[@tarateachingmiddleschool2118]

Love love love being departmentalized!!!! You get to become a master in one subject and really team up and everyone is able to do the best they can for the students!!! Again been doing it for 12 years and again love love love it!! War Eagle!!!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yayyy I’m so glad to hear that! And WAR EAGLE!!

[@shelbyduck8113]

Literally we are the same person! Going on my seventh year too in my fourth classroom. 😂 I think it’ll be nice that you will only have two classes to teach and not four or more. It makes planning a lot easier but you still feel very connected with your students because there aren’t too many of them.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yayyy twins!! and yay classroom set up 😅 I agree, there are some pros ♥

[@Elizabethlc14]

Hello! I also teach 3rd departmentalized. I was previously the island and actually struggled a lot being the only one self contained. I was against departmentalizing for a long time because I worried about connecting with the kids, losing my autonomy, etc. I did it for the first time this year and actually liked it so much more than I thought. It’s a lot less prep, a lot less to worry for subs, you get a break from behaviors, and you get more kids to love. I will say being on the same page with your partner is the most important thing for behaviors, parent communication, etc. if you don’t have that connection it’s extremely stressful, so I hope that you have someone great! I think reading gets a bigger burden (I’m math), so I’d help my partner pull quarterly fluency, phonics screeners, DRA if necessary, and other things. Obviously math is big content, too, but I usually had more time. I also think it bettered my teaching because I could improve with my second group. I hope this all made sense! I definitely get mixed feelings. Hope the year is amazing! Double the hugs and love from the kids though 🩷

[@Elizabethlc14]

I have more to say 😂I think it would be hard to go back. I think having a common behavior management system is important, and you and your partner having honest conversations about what’s important for you in teaching. You always want to have each other’s backs, you know? I found it a little hard to lose some of my ability to do what I want with the kids, like I always had to make sure it was okay. And I struggled to not see the *whole* child. I’d have kids act up in math, but not reading due to a dislike of math. So I never got to see that side of them. Being a united front with your partner is the best thing to curb those issues, in my opinion. I have a million thoughts on this 😂

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience AND for the advice!! I am so glad to hear about your positive experience even after a little hesitation (like I am feeling now). So many pros that I can lean into to get excited 🥰

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

@@Elizabethlc14 This is all so good!! Keep the thoughts coming!! I value all this experience you are sharing ♥

[@Elizabethlc14]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary you’re welcome! It will be an adjustment, but it’s great! I found a lot of organization ideas for a departmentalized classroom on Pinterest. The kids are so adaptable that they catch onto both routines and sets of expectations quickly.

[@Elizabethlc14]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary thank you again! If you know anyone who has done it I’d ask for classroom pictures. Color coding is your best friend. I let my homeroom use desks and afternoon use cubbies for their stuff & made them pencil pouches with supplies (donated) because carrying a pencil box is such a pain. I also started putting on the board what my afternoon needs to get out for the day because it’s a process to go back & forth to cubbies or wherever they keep their stuff. So my board would say “science journal” and “math journal” or whatever they needed so we didn’t have to keep getting up a table at a time. Lifesaver! Just some ideas that worked super well for me and my kiddos. I’d also prep extra materials or whatever you need for new kids, since you end up with double that being departmentalized throughout the year.

[@jennamoran6514]

In my district, we are departmentalized and I love it! It really helps with planning and I can solely focus on teaching just one subject instead of multiple.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

So true Jenna!!

[@katemcilvain2700]

Departmentalization is the best thing EVER. I teach 4th ELAR and Texas History and I have a partner teacher for Math and Science. It is my favorite thing ever and I could never go self contained. Not only do I get to really focus on and be excellent on 2 subjects, I also get a partner to work together with the kiddos. Sometimes it helps to have another adult who also teaches that student for various supports and conversations! I also LOVE getting to split up my day with 2 different classes. It gives me a nice break from the kids and I teach the same thing twice, so I get to refine it and see how it works with different learners. I think the benefits are ENDLESS with departmentalization.

[@wendlit]

Very positive reply! 👏👏👏

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! This is so encouraging! 🥰

[@NickiEducates]

Hey fellow Texan 😊! I completely agree, departmentalization is where it’s at, ESPECIALLY these days 😂!

[@LauraCornish08]

Hi Katie. I have been watching your videos since your 2nd year of teaching. I have never commented on a video and I watch them all. This one really struck me. I was a teacher here in Florida in Title I for 15 years in 2-4 grade, both departmentalized and self-contained. They both have their pros and cons. I already agree with the pros and cons already in the comments. For organization, we found it nice to color code the folders for each class. So we had red for reading, and blue for math. We also had cubby bins that the kids traveled back and forth with and placed in the desk. We did not allow students to go back and forth between classrooms. If they forgot something, they had to wait till the next day. Otherwise, it becomes a constant interruption. The reason I just had to make a comment, was because I deeply respect and admire you and you are an amazing self-contained teacher. We need really good self-contained teachers who are strong in all subjects and have the passion for teaching that you do. So. It makes me a little sad to think that you now won't be teaching math. I feel like you're an excellent math teacher as well. However, you will be great at whatever you teach and that same passion, I have no doubt, will continue to shine this year as well. Best of luck!

[@samvicario2304]

I love being departmentalized! I teach 5th grade ELA. It's nice because I teach the same thing twice. It makes planning super easy! Plus, it's nice to have two different groups of kids, especially if there is a challenging group, or challenging kids. Scheduling is a little more strict but honestly, the pros completely outweigh the cons!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yay that is so good to hear!! Thank you for sharing your experience! 😊

[@livelaughlove4635]

Looking forward to the set up videos! I always look forward to your videos.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Already started to film and edit them and I am so excited too!! 😊

[@LifeAsMya1]

I'll be a first-year teacher this fall and will also be a departmentalized ELA 3rd grade teacher! Super excited to follow your journey through it!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

How exciting!! Congratulations! Do you know what curriculum your school will be using? Also I have a video with my top first year teacher tips! Let me grab the link for you!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/noWZh2Wgfr-VrsUsi=1WHeZY1a1DhWO81q

[@DisneyPoppinsDisney]

The deep dive is a huge benefit

[@debbieherrin9982]

I have been departmentalized a few years now in third grade. When I began third grade, we were self contained, and I will be again next year with more of the struggling readers. I like having one class to focus on, but it is more subject areas to plan and grade. When you’re departmentalized, you only have to focus on that subject area for two classes. You will like that. I enjoyed it as well.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

So many pros and cons!! Thank you for sharing your experience! 😊

[@nicolearnone8745]

I love being departmentalized!! Less planning and getting to teach more students!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Woohoo!! Looking forward to those parts!

[@thetraumainformedteacher]

Hey Katie! I'm glad you only had to move down the hallway. That's so much easier than moving buildings like I'm doing this year! Also, I've done 3rd grade as self-contained and as departmentalized with 2 subjects and with 1. There are pros and cons to both. Pros to sharing kids is that you know all of the students much better and can back each other up with parents! Also you can more easily brainstorm how to help a student. When a particular student isn't jiving with you, another teacher might be able to smooth that over and help bridge the learning gaps. Cons are that 3rd graders are in various stages of being organized enough to switch classes. I would expect to have supplies ready in your room and give grace if kids forget something. They aren't all ready developmentally. If you plan and expect this, you'll do fine. We had the same behavior expectations and discipline plan among teachers and each class had a crate of hanging file folders for returning student work. The crate passes back and forth between classes as needed. We also each had a clipboard with behavior info that we passed daily. That way we could make sure enforcing good student behavior was a team effort. It helps when you have to make sure a consequence is seen through at lunch or recess times. Hope that helps and good luck!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

This is SUCH GREAT ADVICE!! Thank you!!! ♥️

[@kristenlaughlin4510]

Yay! I’m 3rd ELA in Oklahoma! My partner does Math, Science, & SS. I can’t wait to continue to follow you and see all your creative ideas and pick your brain. Last year was my second year to be departmentalized and second year with curriculum. This year I’m hoping to really get it down and figure out a schedule that works and not rushed. It’s so hard with so many pull outs and not necessarily pulled when needed.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you for sharing your experience! 😊 Scheduling seems to be one of the trickier parts... Anxious to see what mine looks like later this summer!

[@ClaudiaSanchez-1991]

Good luck with your new room set up and being departmentalized! I moved several times in my first five years of teaching!!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

It can be a lot!! But yet fun at the same time haha

[@karenwales6285]

It’s amazing!!! I taught 3rd grade with departmentalization!! Loved my team teacher! Loved having different students! Love concentration on only a few subjects.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

@@karenwales6285 so good to hear!!

[@brittanysellers6440]

I teach 5th! We switch for science, SS, and writing. This year we are going to have 4 teachers so we will team teach so only ss and science. It makes the day go so much quicker! I think you’ll grow to love it. ❤

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

That is awesome! thanks for the encouragement 😊

[@vandot5463]

Yeah! Love spending summer with you.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Aww thanks for watching!!

[@djthereplay]

Well Katie, Change happens and I wish you the best with that change. Thank you for doing as much as you can to share your classroom and your teaching experiences with us even after a period when it becomes impossible to do because your hands are tied down. It looks like we in this country love to tie down teachers and students more than we do support teachers and meet student needs or meet the students where ever they are at but we love to force Our Children to enter such an institution and through it all the students and everyone comes out loving you and that's what should really matter and be what makes a successful teacher and you are a successful teacher and whenever you get the chance I hope that you will take the time to celebrate that success. I hope that soon time will allow you to rest Mrs. Allain for a bit and just be Katie Allain for the time being. - Dwight

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thanks Dwight!

[@andreadodson2817]

I've never not known departmentalization. I can see the benefits of staying in one class all day, but for the most part I really enjoy it. Just make sure you are teammates with your team teacher through and through.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Great advice!! Thank you ♥️

[@brooklynnebrown3921]

I’m a departmentalized ELA teacher in 4th! I loooooove getting to have different classes throughout the day! It’s really helpful to have a teammate who knows your kids as well as you do. My school is very small so I’m the only ELA teacher in my grade. It can be tough to not have a team all doing the same things to bounce ideas off of. That being said, I’ve become very resourceful and dedicated to language arts in a way I never was able to be when I taught all subjects. I do worry if I ever teach self contained again that I’ll “lose” my craft for teaching other subjects.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yes that's part of why I'm conflicted... I feel like my teaching style for math is different than ELA and I will miss that side of my teaching self (if that makes sense lol) BUT I will have three other 3rd grade ELA teachers so I'll still have a great sounding board for ideas 😊

[@fun_in_fifth]

Yay!!!!!! I have been departmentalized the last 2 years teaching ELA for 5th grade. I’ve loved it! I’m moving to North Carolina and teaching the same thing there next year. I’m so excited to see what routines and procedures and lesson ideas you come up with for ELA!! Seriously so excited for you!!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thanks!!! 😊 Good luck with your move!

[@rebekahduncan8403]

All our 4th and 5th are departmentalized. Most teachers have said they love it! The ELA content is huge, but hopefully you will like focusing in on one content and not being spread so thin. Congratulations!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Our 4th and 5th graders are departmentalized too! 4th grade has two teachers and then 5th grade has 3. This will be new for the third grader team! I think you're right about not being spread as thin!

[@susangumbrell3874]

Hi Katie, so exciting. I'm so happy that you'll be posting throughout the summer. I am from England and we still have six weeks of school left to go! I do love watching your classroom set ups, very inspiring and I have magpied some of your ideas for the class that I support. Happy Saturday!!! Blessings Susie🙏🇬🇧😊

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Aww thanks for watching Susie! Classroom set up videos starting soon! (next week 😊 )

[@susangumbrell3874]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary Thank you Katie, they will give me a boost to the end of the school year! 😊 Blessings Susie🙏

[@kcm7134]

I taught departmentalized 4th and 5th grade, and it is wonderful. You will have significantly less to plan, plus you get to know more of the kids rather than just your class. My district recently changed and now only 6th grade can departmentalize. (Yes, we have 6th grade in elementary!)

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you for sharing your experience! 😊

[@teachloveinspire561]

Yay! You're back! Moving classrooms is so hard. I think having one group of kiddos is best for grades up until fifth grade, and not being departmentalized, but that's just my opinion. I'm sure you will do great, no matter what, and look forward to seeing your new journey. Have a fantastic, restful, wonderful summer! Love all your vlogs :)

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Good to be back!! I feel like there is some validity in your point... Third graders are still so young and switching rooms and teachers is a lot to manage... Definitely don't know how it'll go, but I am going to lean in to the pros and stay positive 😊

[@morganwitherall1996]

I can’t wait to see you set up your new classroom Katie

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Already started filming and editing set up part 1! Can’t wait to share it next Saturday!!

[@morganwitherall1996]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary I can’t wait for next Saturday. Can you show us how do set up for a lesson once you start teaching and get the hang of the new Curriculum.

[@aamugirl]

I enjoyed being compartmentalized for 2 years to 5th graders. I taught ELA and SS. It was great when I taught with a teacher who had a similar teaching style as me. After that, the teacher left and was replaced with a teacher who didn't have strong classroom management. So, it was terrible after that. I was happy to go back to self contained the next year.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Awww I''m sorry! Think my teammate and I will make a good pair! Seems like it really influences how things go

[@Tinysavers]

I'm in England and works as a supply teaching assistant mainly in SEN and primary. In England our schools have just returned from half term break. We finish for 6 weeks summer holiday from the 17th July and they don't start back until the first week of September. In England we tend to have 6 - 8 weeks half terms and then a weeks break. In the last year of primary aged 10 - 11 they do SATS exams, so some schools may split into academic ability groups for Math and English but generally the children stay in 1 class with a teacher and maybe teaching assistant who teaches them all the curriculum subjects. In the summer holidays the schools have a deep clean so staff aren't always allowed into classrooms to set up until the end of the school holidays nearer to the start of the new school year. It depends on each school. A lot of the cleaning and tidying would be done by the teaching assistant under the guidance of the teacher, well that's what happened in some schools i worked in, in the past. Teaching assistants would back the display boards which tend to be learning walls. They tend to use neutral materials as a background. This allows the teacher to get on with the plannning of the curriculum. Enjoy the break, good luck with your new school year.❤

[@christinebodie9068]

For the past three now and heading into a fourth I have been departmentalized in fifth grade. The first two years were ELA. Last year and this year will be math for fifth grade. I love getting to focus on one subject and really get into where the kids are. I absolutely love teaching math. Being able to focus more on the curriculum of one subject I feel I can accomplish more and find more enrichment activities for the kids as well. What I don’t like is I feel my second group of students gets a better lesson than the first I also don’t like having to teach the same lesson twice and having 50+ students and grading papers for 50+ students.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Great list of pros and cons! Thank you!!

[@melissabruemmer6748]

I departmentalized in 5th grade and LOVED it!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yay! So good to hear!!

[@lupitaochoa9529]

I think the success and/or workability of being departmentalized depends on the team you have to work with. I have had the absolute BEST TEAM EVER (we literally had shirts made) for the past 2 years. Fingers crossed 🤞 that we got to work together this upcoming year. 😁

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Awww! So glad you had a great team experience!

[@tabbysmiles1135]

Any advice for a new 1st grade teacher? This will also be my 1st year teaching. Good luck being compartmentalized and doing all the ELA stuff! You got this rockstar!!!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Hey Tabby! Here is my video with my biggest first year teacher tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noWZh2Wgfr-VrsU

[@dmbalsam]

The last school I taught in (I was the librarian) did team teaching. Every teacher taught ELA and math, but the students were grouped by ability. Two teachers planned social studies and 2 teachers planned science. Those subjects were by homeroom and whole group. This methods requires more meetings between the teachers which means organizing your time efficiently. For the most part our teachers liked it. We were also a model inclusion school.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

This is a unique model, thanks for sharing! I do think this will foster great collaboration with my teammates, both my swap teacher AND fellow ELA teachers 😊

[@rileydearth139]

I am a third grade teacher and we are also departmentalizing next year! I’m also teaching ELA. How funny! I am scared but also happy. It was a team decision. We just felt like our work load was so heavy, and we could be such better teachers if we had some subjects off our plates. I guess we will be learning this together 😂

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yes we will!! 😊

[@katyr7513]

I love your number magnets!!! 🥰

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thanks! They are from the dollar tree and I used my Cricut and vinyl to put the numbers on

[@britney7480]

I’m 3rd ELAR ad well and we departmentalize. This year we are doing a 3 way split which I’m looking forward to! I did self contained for 3 years and it’s just crazy that I survived that. I prefer departmentalized. I’d rather grade 45 of the same assignments rather than keeping up with all the subjects. 🎉

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you for sharing your experience!! Glad to hear you enjoy it!

[@shellideckert4735]

Congrats 🎉yay summer!❤

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Woohoo!! 😊

[@DisneyPoppinsDisney]

Was departmentalized last year for 2/3 and nexr year self contained

[@DisneyPoppinsDisney]

I taught departmentalize ELA & science for 2/3 and partner taught Math SS

[@caseys4831]

FL veteran 20 year teacher here and I have been able to departmentalize the last 2 yrs. However- our admin left that decision up to US❤ I teach fifth Math/Science and it is THE BEST THING EVER🙌🏼🙌🏼 I never want to go back!!!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

So good to hear!! 😃 And way to go admin!!

[@MrYoTeach]

I’m moving schools and grades kind of. I was teaching 3rd grade and now I’m teaching 2nd and 3rd grade. My 2nd graders are going to go to a 2nd grade class during core instruction though.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Wow that’s really unique!

[@kcm7134]

We are never able to get in to do set up until the end of the week before teachers return in August. I’m surprised they let you start setting up before the custodians have finished cleaning!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I make sure that I am not in their way and am not able to move any furniture because they will be waxing tile then treating carpets.. but bulletin boards and cabinets aren’t in their way 😊 I am grateful my admin lets me come in and set up at my leisure and for a wonderful custodian crew! They are always working hard when I come up to work!

[@kcm7134]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary That is nice that they allow you to do that. We are not allowed in until admin emails us the date. However, we usually have several summer programs using the school which means the custodians need as much time as possible to get everything cleaned before the new year! 🙂

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

@@kcm7134 oh yes I totally forgot about summer programs! We have some on campus but they don’t use my building so that’s another reason I am able to go up and work

[@kcm7134]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary Ah, you have multiple buildings. That’s how it was when I taught in Southern California. I’m back home in Virginia now, and everything is in the same building. It’s Wednesday, June 12 and it was finally my last day! 👏🏻

[@wendlit]

Sorry, you have to work over the break. There’s lots of positivity here about teaching two classes ELA. In my earlier days of teaching Primary, we had to teach 11 subjects. Then some schools introduced music as a special and Spanish. I don’t know if there are more specials now, like PE! It’s a new challenge, see how it goes. ❤👏

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Honestly, I started set up this week and I really do enjoy it, so at least the work is somewhat "fun" for me haha! But still a time sucker for sure! I can't imagine teaching all special area as well!

[@wendlit]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary lots of positive comments here for you👍PS setting-up/ covering notice boards was daunting task for me, but watching you guys doing it, you’re inspiring.👏

[@stronger7995]

We departmentalized 1 year in elementary. I did not prefer it, I struggled dealing with sooo many parents and had to attend ALL IEP meetings for my grade level. I was also teaching ELA and SS, when I would have rather taught math. I get bored teaching the same thing, and like the flexibility of switching the schedule if needed. The pros are its much less prep, you can really focus on just 1 or 2 content areas. If you have an unpleasant student, you only have them for part of the day, so less time...

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and advice ♥️

[@chrislott-qe6gb]

This is Angie- I am teaching 3rd grade Math. Please, give me any helpful tips. I enjoy your videos so much!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I will share tips as I find things that work 😊

[@NickiEducates]

I teach 3rd grade RLA and social studies in Texas and I LOVE ❤ being departmentalized! I would NEVER go back to being self-contained unless I absolutely had no choice…like, not able to get a departmentalized position anywhere else but I have to work, no choice 😂. I get to focus on and become more effective in the content I’m good at and actually enjoy, a math/science partner to do parent conferences and share other responsibilities with, and two different groups of children to love and teach! Plus, in my opinion, there is way too much to cover, way too much paperwork, and way too many expectations in testing grades to try and teach all subjects. It’s just too much. Anyway, I hope you learn to love it too 😊!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience departmentalizing! This is so great to hear 🥰

[@jenniferhancock4970]

Hello! Just wondering how you will do Science and Social Studies?

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I think I will be social studies and my partner will be science! Still waiting for that to be finalized

[@kyedric9780]

Will you be teaching ELA/SS or just ELA? You mentioned only one team teacher. But departmentalization is amazing. I teach HS ELA so it lets you focus and become an expert at the one content area

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Think I will be ELA and SS 😊

[@tracigrange1626]

Pros: If an activity didn’t work with the morning class you can tweak it for the afternoon class. Challenging students you only have 1/2 day.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

So true!!

[@mistybethune9116]

many the counties around the one i live in has had all but kindergarten departmentalized for least 12 years next year they are doing it in our county as my sister in law found out when she found out my nieces class assignment for next year at kindergarten graduation. my nieces school is a prek thru 8th school and only has about 300 students in all 10 grades so its very small she asked me like how i said im guessing one teacher is teaching ela and one math. her math teacher is going to not know what to do with my niece shes a math genius i swear she can add and subtract liup to 4 digits with regrouping. I started today teaching her multiplication well the beginning of it im teaching her how to sort numbers into groups and add them but showing her using a multiplication problem.

[@HollyMcCandless-co8sm]

I will be starting a new grade and I will be departmentalized! I’ll be 3rd grade ELA!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yayyy twins!!! 😊

[@backtoschool1611]

QUESTION: what is deparmentlizing?? It soundsvlike you are just teaching one subject instead of one class. Is this correct?

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yes, that’s correct 😊

[@backtoschool1611]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary Thanks! I love your channel!🙂

[@Makeaname]

Departmentalization can make exceptional education services a nightmare.

[@melissamoyers573]

Just wondering… are you teaching science & social studies or is another teacher teaching those?

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I believe I will be social studies as well and my partner will be science... still waiting for that to be finalized 😊