What is Co-Teaching?

Co-teaching occurs when a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to plan, organize, instruct, and assess students in a shared classroom environment. This collaborative approach ensures that all students, including those with special needs, receive high-quality instruction in the least restrictive environment.

 

Models of Co-Teaching

1. Parallel Teaching

- Class is split into two groups

- Each teacher instructs their group on the same content

- Allows for more individualized attention and support

 

2. Station Teaching

- Teachers divide content and students

- Students rotate through stations for different learning experiences

- Enables small group instruction and differentiated learning

 

3. Alternative Teaching

- One teacher works with most students

- The other teacher works with a small group for remediation, enrichment, or assessment

- Helpful for pre-teaching or re-teaching concepts

 

4. One Teach, One Assist

- One teacher leads instruction for the whole group

- The other teacher moves around the classroom to provide assistance to students

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5. One Teach, One Observe
- One teacher leads instruction while the other gathers data on students
- Useful for monitoring student progress and behavior
- Allows for detailed observation of student engagement and understanding​​

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6. Team Teaching
- Both teachers share instruction
- Teachers interject and build upon each other's points
- Creates a dynamic learning environment

 

Best Practices for Successful Co-Teaching

Planning and Communication
- Dedicate regular time for collaborative planning
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities
- Maintain open communication about student needs and progress
- Share resources and materials effectively

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Instruction
- Use varied teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs
- Implement universal design for learning principles
- Provide multiple ways for students to demonstrate understanding
- Ensure both teachers are actively engaged throughout lessons

 

Assessment
- Jointly develop assessment criteria
- Share responsibility for grading
- Use data to inform instruction
- Monitor progress of all students regularly

 

Classroom Management
- Establish consistent routines and expectations
- Both teachers should have equal authority
- Share responsibility for behavior management
- Create an inclusive classroom environment

 

Benefits of Co-Teaching

For Students
- Increased individual attention
- Access to different teaching styles
- Reduced stigma for students with special needs
- Enhanced peer learning opportunities

 

For Teachers
- Professional growth through collaboration
- Shared responsibility for student success
- Enhanced classroom management
- Increased instructional creativity

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Parents should understand that:
- Both teachers are equally responsible for student learning
- Their child will benefit from two teachers' expertise
- Communication can be directed to either teacher
- Co-teaching supports inclusive education practices

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