| Co-Teaching Tips |
| Over the past four years I have had the opportunity to teach in three distinctly different co-teaching situations (Co-teaching combined English and Social Studies Class with Mrs. Melanie Miller, AIS class with Mrs. Maureen Cavanagh, and Push-in inclusion with Ms. Kelly Crumb). During the 2004-2005 school year, I co-taught three of my five classes. In no way do I consider myself a co-teaching expert but I have found some useful tips for teacher who are looking to co-teach any type of class. Co-teaching has many forms. Some models contain more involvement by both teachers than others. Much of the information I am providing here was presented at a co-teaching workshop offered at the Madison-Oneida BOCES in the Winter of 2005 and adapted for my own use. |
| Co-teaching Models: One teach-One observe One teach-One circulate Parallel Teaching Station Teaching Alternative Teaching Team Teaching |
| Least Involvement-Least Desirable |
| More Involement- More Desirable |
| The biggest concern that most co-teacher experience is not curriculum related but communication related. Know what each other is doing or needs to do is essential to a successful program that will benefit both teacher and their students. Monthly and weekly schedules are essential tools. but daily communication is necessary. Since time usually comes at a premium, below are links to some communication facilitating devices that I use with each of my co-teachers. |
| Communication |
| Co-Teaching Approaches: An Overview One teach-One observe-In this model, detailed observations are taken about student learning and behavior. This approach may be used to collect data on teaching techiniques and ways to improve instruction. . One teach-One circulate-One teacher teaches the large group while the other teacher circulates to provide assistance when needed. Parallel Teaching-The class is divided in two and both teachers teach the same information. This approach allows works well for procedural applications. Station Teaching- The class is divided into thirds. Each teacher teaches the content to one group and then repeats that instruction to the next. The third station allows for studentsto work independently. Alternative Teaching-One teacher provides large group instruction while the second teacher takes a second smaller group and provides instruction. This second group could be of weaker/stronger ability or may have missed several classes. Team Teaching- Both teachers provide instuction together as a tag team type arrangement. This a very complex approach but very satisfying for both the students and teachers. |
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