Co-Teaching Tip #3

 

    In my 10 years of co-teaching I've had 9 different special education teachers. I remember the first time a school was going to keep me with the same co-teacher, I was so excited because it had never happened before.  I always heard, you are a good general education co-teacher and they are a good special education co-teacher so we are going to split you two up to be with co-teachers that need help.  While I understand this thought process, some co-teachers just click really well and work together.  

    These co-teacher relationships can form quickly or slowly and lots of conversations need to take place.  One year a school sat us down with our co-teachers about day 3 of in service week and we had these discussions.  I remember how awkward it was as a general education teacher yelled at the co-teacher, they wanted nothing to do with co-teaching and the co-teacher could just sit in the back of the room.  I worked with the same co-teacher that year and let me tell you they were phenomenal.   I believe one of the many differences was the conversations that were had.  We discussed teaching styles, classroom management, expectations, and much more.  I understand that co-teaching takes more work BUT it also can make somethings simpler.  Imagine teaching a lesson where the students clearly aren't getting everything you've tried, what do you do next?  Well, if you have a co-teacher with clear expectations on how to handle this, they can jump in and provide another method or maybe a way they are seeing the material.  I am comfortable with my co-teacher jumping in during lessons and they knew this because we have discussed it.  

If you aren't sure where to start, the template below is a starting point.  You can sit down as individuals and fill it in and then talk through it with each other.  

Co-Teaching Expectations Template