Support from the Administration
Things that should be discussed and understood
Having two teachers does not mean having more students. A co-taught classroom should have the same number of students as a classroom taught by one teacher.
Planning time: For co-teaching to be successful the teachers need to work together on planning. Can the administration provide extra planning time or guarantee both teachers have the same planning period?
It is essential both teachers are present in the classroom everyday. Having two teachers is not the same as having an extra teacher. A teacher should not be consistently pulled out of class to cover teacher absences or handle other situations.
Co-teaching relationships take time to develop. The administration should be committed to keeping partnerships together over multiple school years.
Finding a Co-Teaching Partner
Things to Discuss Before Entering a Co-Teaching Relationship
Each teacher’s strengths and weaknesses.
Do you have similar or complementary teaching philosophies?
What are your grading policies? It is important that both teachers hold student to the same standards and expectations.
How often and when will co-teaching occur?
- Every subject everyday
- Certain subjects everyday
- Every subject certain days
- Certain subjects some days
If both teachers have a classroom, which will be used for the co-taught class? What can be done to make the other teacher part of the space?
Determine what each teacher’s role will be. Are the roles divided fairly? Is each team member contributing equally? Will the students see both teachers as equal partners?
How will you handle disagreements between each other?
Communication is key! How and when will you communicate with each other!
How and when will you reflect on your partnership? Can this be done during your co-planning time or will you do this at another time?
Starting with Students
Both teachers should be introduced as the teacher.
Expectations should be made clear, students need to understand both teacher have the same expectations.
Students should be thought of and referred to as “our students”.
One Teach, One Assist and One Teach, One Observe are the easiest strategies to implement. They require little planning together and are excellent for getting to know the class and each other as teachers. However, in the big picture they should be used sparingly. Be careful not to get into the routine of only using these strategies.