At LIS, we not only have teachers but additional support from our Hort staff in the classroom. One to two Educators-in-Class join each grade level in Primary School during the school day, giving priority to LIS’s youngest learners. These LIS educators spend roughly a third of their working time in class during which, they support students as well as teachers. Their tasks can be administrative but are mainly focussed on the students in class directly.
The tasks of an Educator-in-Class is in many ways comparable to those of a Teaching Assistant. The Educator-in-Class supports students’ group work, but also works one on one with students, whether supporting them with a mathematical challenge or facilitating an experiment during their lesson.
The options for optimising the student’s learning environment by having an Educator-in-Class are varied. Our classes are on average 20 students strong. Compared to public schools this number is low, however, even in those small classes, teaching can be a challenge. Maybe a student does not feel challenged by the task given or simply requires more attention due to personal circumstances. The Educator-in-Class is able to support on a personal level, assisting in creating a more enjoyable classroom experience for all. Overall, there are mostly advantages in having two collaborating adults in one classroom.
LIS Primary school introduced the Educator-in-Class programme in 2013-2014 having been inspired by the book “Collaboration and Co-Teaching. Strategies for English Learners” by Andrea Honigfeld and Maria G. Dove (2010). Since then, LIS reviews the Educator-in-Class’ role and tasks on a yearly basis, appreciating its merits as well as developing a clear understanding of the collaboration between teachers and educators.
Educators and teachers have different educational backgrounds. Educators may have studied to be an educator but could also be qualified Social Workers or have a related degree. At LIS we appreciate diversity and the different educational backgrounds of educators results in a dynamic team with a large variety of ideas and approaches. Teachers must have a teaching degree. Given that teachers share common educational ground, they provide stability, sustainability and consistent standards. Therefore, bringing both professions together in one classroom results in a sparkling pool of opportunities united in one goal: To develop our students into citizens of the world.
Having an Educator-in-Class can come with challenges. There is even research that suggests, that giving low achieving students continuous additional support is not always the most effective strategy (Deployment and Impact of Support staff – DISS project 2003-2009, UK). The benefit or success of an Educator-in-Class depends on various factors. How are they deployed? What training did they receive? How can they prepare for class? How can Educators-in-Class share best practice with peers and teachers? How much opportunity is there to discuss a student’s situation with the teacher? This is the reason why we are dedicated to implement this still relatively new program more deeply and efficient.
LIS sees the Educator-in-Class as an invaluable addition to the LIS community. We believe, that by giving this additional support, be it to high achievers or to students that require learning support, we enable all students to maximise their potential and talents. The Educator-in-Class concept is certainly a fruitful cooperation between professionals and we aim to explore its potential further.
