Co-Teaching Models: Making Collaboration Work

Two Teachers, One Classroom

Co-teaching pairs a general education teacher with a special education teacher (or another specialist) in the same classroom. When done well, it provides better instruction for all students. When done poorly, one teacher becomes an expensive aide.

The Six Models

One Teach, One Observe -- One teacher leads instruction while the other observes and collects data on specific students or behaviors. Good for assessment but should not be the default model.

One Teach, One Assist -- One teacher leads while the other circulates and helps individual students. Easy to implement but often leaves the special education teacher in a support role permanently. Use sparingly.

Station Teaching -- Each teacher leads a station, and students rotate. Both teachers have equal instructional responsibility. Works well for subjects that can be divided into components.

Parallel Teaching -- The class is divided in half and both teachers teach the same content simultaneously to smaller groups. Doubles participation opportunities.

Alternative Teaching -- One teacher works with a small group for pre-teaching, reteaching, or enrichment while the other teaches the larger group. The small group is not always the same students.

Team Teaching -- Both teachers share instruction equally, alternating or co-presenting. This is the most integrated model but requires the most trust and planning.

Making It Work

Plan Together -- Co-planning time is non-negotiable. Without it, one teacher always defaults to the assistant role.

Define Roles Clearly -- Before each lesson, know who does what. Alternate roles regularly.

Both Names on Everything -- The classroom, materials, and communication should represent both teachers equally.

Address Issues Directly -- If the partnership is not working, address it privately and professionally. Administrative support may be needed.

Start with Station or Parallel -- These models are easiest to implement and ensure both teachers are active instructors.

Common Problems

• One teacher always leads, the other always assists
• No shared planning time
• Students (or teachers) see the special education teacher as "the helper"
• Only using one or two models

Use the AI lesson plan generator to create co-teaching lesson plans with defined roles for each teacher.