Professional Competency
For this first case study of professional competency, which can be read here, I will be examining four areas (Suspending Judgment, Asset-Based Thinking, Interpersonal Awareness, and Locus of Control). I will also include the best fit course of action, the steps for reaching it, and possible consequences.
From the given scenario if we assume that the ELA teacher Dr. Dufraine made her decision not to participate with the best of intentions it may be interpreted that she chose not to do so for her students. Without speaking with Dr. Dufraine we could assume that she may already have her lessons planned, and possibly books ordered.
Dr. Dufraine possesses many attributes that if utilized could greatly help the students without her directly participating in the interdisciplinary unit. In 7th grade ELA students are expected to comprehend literature such as stories and poems, as well as be able to comprehend informational text. By talking to Dr. Durfaine about what skills her students are learning or already know it can help you decide what type of text to start the unit with.
From the actions already taken in this scenarios Dr. Dufraine may feel attacked for not participating in the unit. Telling the students to ask Dr. Dufraine why their ELA class is not participating in the Revolutionary War unit may have been done with the best of intent, however it was perceived by Dr. Dufraine as having the students harass her for not participating.
As Dr. Dufraine felt harassed by her students, it was in my ability to handle the situation with students asking about her participation in a different manner. Additionally it would have been overall more productive if I had simply sent Dr. Dufraine an email asking why she did not want to participate incase it was something with the my plan that she did not agree with that should be different.
The current situation with Dr. Dufraine is very damaged, and in a few months I want to do another interdisciplinary unit. To try and mend the relationship between Dr. Dufraine and myself I would go to her class and ask if we could discuss what has happened. I would then ask for her recommendations on what type of text I could use with the students since she has more experience with them.
Possible positive consequences for this course of action is that I will understand why Dr. Dufraine did not want to participate and also benefit from her knowledge of the students level of reading. Which will lead to the most desirable outcome which is my relationship with Dr. Dufraine is mended and we can work together to make the unit stronger for the students.
