Teaching assistant won’t address unwanted behaviors 

Q: I know I’m a good teacher, but one class may put me over the edge. The students are all over the place. The primary challenge is that several kids are disrespectful, and their behavior disrupts others.

Because this particular class  includes many high-need students with IEPS and 504 Plans, I have a teaching assistant. While I’m thrilled to have another adult in the room, the assistant teacher only will attend to kids who have learning needs. They’re often not the kids acting out.

According to my department chair, the assistant’s job is to help me, period, not just to help kids with educational plans. He didn’t get the memo, I guess. He completely ignores the students who jump out of their seats, disturb others, and make rude comments. I’m furious that he leaves all the classroom management to me, and I need him to step up!