Language Teachers’ Café Reflects on the realities of Team Teaching

On February 22, 2025, ELLI went online for its monthly Language Teachers’ Café. This month’s discussion focused on the realities of team teaching in Japan. Participants shared real classroom experiences rather than talk about the intricacies of theories or models on the topic.

For a bit over an hour, teachers unpacked situations involving unclear roles, sudden lesson changes, lack of planning, differing teaching styles and values, workload concerns and some moments that seemed like power struggles. The session did not focus on the challenges alone, some teachers also positive experiences with their partner teachers. Stories describing supportive partners, cooperative planning, collaborative environments, and mutual understanding where communication flowed naturally, were shared, showing various factors that could lead to an effective team teaching relationship

The goal of the session was not to place blame on anyone. It was more about understanding systems and communication. Thus, the sharing was more on examining the root of each situation, understanding one’s reactions, and determining courses of actions. Most of the challenges were due to unspoken expectations, structural constraints, or simple miscommunication. There were similarities and differences in the cases presented by the participants, and by identifying the underlying concern in each, the discussion shifted from frustration to reflection.

Towards the end of the session, participants were encouraged to reflect on whether every frustration requires confrontation — or whether sometimes all we need to do is pause and ask if the energy we are investing in that frustration is truly worth it. Professional growth involves not only having important conversations, but also knowing when perspective and patience are the wiser response.

The session ended with a grounded reminder that team teaching may never be perfect. A lot of things can change. A lot of surprises may happen. Even the seemingly harmonious partnerships could turn chaotic suddenly. But as professionals, we can choose how we respond to it. Some moments may need to be faced head on. Others may require discernment and restraint. In any case, intentional communication can do wonders and turn team teaching into teamwork.

At ELLI, we believe conversations build stronger classroom. We invite you to join our next Language Teachers’ Café — a safe and reflective space where educators share experiences, explore practical solutions, and grow together in community. Keep checking our page for updates.