I've been working at the same school for a while now. Overall everything is great, but the relationship with the senior JTE is getting chaotic. Not sure what you would all do in this situation… I feel like we're having a communication breakdown, though I'm trying my best to keep everyone in the loop as far as my work in concerned. I work as a direct hire ALT for a single school, but I'm only at the school for no more than 28 hours a week.
I was told by the senior JTE that I should have found time to talk to the new JTE about the next unit coming up after finding a note on the white board that made little sense to me. I'm pouring over my schedule (and the master schedule) and scratching my head… when exactly? I guess I have a few options, but forget all that for a moment.
Previously, if a teacher (JTE / HRT) needed my time, I was told that the teacher would come to me. Occasionally if I knew something was coming up, I'd ask, but generally, there would either be a note on my desk, or a teacher would reach out to me while I was in the office. My free time is listed for everyone in the office to see. It's never been the other way around, so when the senior JTE told me this, I was very much confused.
This all escalated with a note on the whiteboard that was not there before I left yesterday. From what I could gather at 8:15 in the morning, it was a unit plan for either 5th or 6th grade written in Japanese. My name was written at the top left corner- all it said was アンケート(anketto), 紙 (kami) with a circle around it, my name, and おねがい (onegai). Asides from information about the unit itself, there was no other information specifically for me, let alone who wrote the memo.
I barely had time to digest the note, as I had class first period with the new JTE. The note was an afterthought; I'm thinking about the next class. It doesn't help that the new teacher typically doesn't come to the English office to get materials for her lessons. I'm constantly bringing class materials to her classes, unsure of exactly what she needs.
Once 1st period was over, I went back to the office and asked the senior JTE about the note. He response was that I should have spoken to the new JTE previously- and that in general, I should be asking her about the new classes and staying up to date. He mentioned that he could do it, but that I should be staying in communication with her.
My first reaction was- this goes against everything I've been told up until this point. It's understandable to have some sort of communication with all of the JTEs at the school, but I feel like I'm being thrown under the bus here. I'll add that the senior JTE is also in charge of my schedule and dealings within the school- when something comes up, I go to him first.
I can live with a change if necessary- but in all seriousness, when does he expect me to contact the new JTE?
I understand that I should be contacting her when she has office hours, and that I should avoid pulling her out of her own homeroom class, but we rarely cross paths when I'm free. I really don't know what this senior JTE expects me to do. I'll ask him via email at some point, but I already know that the two of our schedules (mine and the new JTE's) only share a single free period a week on Thursdays, provided she's in the office and not preoccupied.
With all the office time I have, there's barely a minute to talk with the new JTE without taking her out of her class or cleaning responsibilities after lunch. It's that or talk to her when I'm off the clock, and that's a no brainer.
Not sure if there's anything else I should add at this point… I've overstayed my time.
Update: I'm trying not to make this whole thing take up time in my mind. Thanks to everyone who reached out to me. I think best thing to do is send an email to all staff I work with (senior JTE, the new JTE, and the part time JTE), and list all current projects I'm working on. I like slowmail's suggestion too. I'll probably use that with the new JTE directly. Thank you!
by E_is_for_Ewe