Co-Instructor Relations Summer B Continuing Education Session 2 Katie Marshall

Two weeks down…  How is it going with your classes?  With your co-instructor?  On a scale of 1-10, how would you say your experience with your co-instructor is going so far?  Why?

Expectations vs. Reality Expectations of Co- Instructor Relationship  When you were in training class, what were some things you wanted to get out of your partnership with your co- instructor?  How did you think your partnership would be like? Reality of Co-Instructor Relationship  What have you gotten out of your partnership with your co-instructor so far?  What has your partnership been like so far?

Weekly Meetings  Why are these so important?  Discuss how last week’s class went  Go over how the next class should go  Talk about any problems you all may be having as a pair  Divide grading responsibilities  Build a relationship with each other!

Every great relationship has it’s issues…  Almost every peer leader runs into some sort of problem or concern with their co-instructor throughout their relationship  Can be little or big!  Addressing these problems EARLY is a key to finding a solution  Make sure that you are getting the most out of your experience by finding solutions to problems that might arise.

…But what can we do about it?  How can you tactfully approach your co-instructor when you do have an issue???  Anonymously write down on a half sheet of paper…  A problem you have encountered with your co-instructor  A problem you foresee having with your co-instructor  A problem that could happen with your co-instructor  Something else that you struggle to talk about with your co- instructor  Let’s try to solve a few of them together!

Building a relationship to last!  Don’t be afraid to talk with your co-instructor about things that are not class related, but keep it professional  Co-Instructors are generally very involved and connected on campus! Use their resources and connections to your advantage!  If you find a co-instructor that your really enjoy, try to teach with them again or at least keep in touch with them!

Letters of Recommendation  Co-Instructors could potentially make great recommenders!  They have seen how you interact with your peers and how you interact with faculty (themselves and others)  Many leadership skills are displayed as a peer leader, and your co-instructor takes note  Make sure to address any problems with them early on and keep in touch with them so you don’t miss out on this opportunity.