What to expect
As we prepare for co-teaching, we
- have both teachers’ names on the board/door.
- have space for both teachers.
- have comparable materials for both teachers.
We share the responsibility for determining
- what to teach.
- what teaching strategy(s) to use.
- who teaches what part of the lesson.
- how to assess student learning.
In planning, we
- have regularly scheduled times to meet and discuss our work.
- use our meeting time productively.
- share teaching materials and resources.
- communicate freely our concerns.
- each contribute to the planning process.
- decide which strategy to use in a lesson based on the needs of the student and the co-teachers.
While co-teaching
- both teachers have a lead role in the classroom.
- both teachers work with all students.
- we use a variety of co-teaching approaches.
- students see both teachers as equal partners in the classroom.
- we both participate in the assessment of the students.
- students ask both teachers for clarification and/or assistance.
- we teach different groups of students at the same time.
- we read the nonverbal cues of our co-teaching partner.
- we make changes as needed during a lesson.
- we actively reinforce classroom rules and manage the classroom together
After the co-taught lesson, we
- provide feedback to one another on what goes on in the classroom.
- celebrate the process of co-teaching and the outcomes and successes.
- make improvements in our lessons based on what happens in the classroom.
Overall, we
- explain the benefits of co-teaching to the students and their families.
- depend on one another to follow through on tasks and responsibilities.
- have both co-teachers participate in parent teacher conferences.
- model collaboration and teamwork for our students.
- have a process for dealing with any disagreements we have.
- share our thoughts with the university supervisor during his/her visits