The 5 W’s of Co-Teaching
Who can co-teach?
Any group of two or more teachers that share a group of students can co-teach. The teachers should think of the students as “ours” not “yours” and “mine”. Often there is one general education teacher and one special education teacher in a co-taught class.
What is co-teaching?
Co-teaching is two or more teachers teaching one class together resulting in an enhanced learning experience. The difference between co-teaching and other teaching strategies is that all co-teachers are equally responsible for planning, teaching, behavior managements, and student progress.
Where does co-teaching take place?
Co-teachers share one classroom space. Although there may be times where one teacher takes a group of students to a separate location, this would be a rare occurence. The majority of instruction would occur with all students and teachers in one room.
When should co-teaching happen?
Anytime two teachers and the administration are committed to it. Co-teaching can happen at any grade level and in any subject.
Why should I co-teach?
Co-teaching has many benefits for teachers and students. Some of these benefits include increased differentiation, material presented from different perspectives, all students having access to the general education curriculum and their peers.