How to Implement Co-Teaching in the Elementary Classrooms
Co- Teaching is a method of providing appropriate inclusion settings for students with disabilities It is a means of providing teaching and support in the regular classroom It is a collaborative effort between two professionals in planning and implementing curriculum standards for the success of all students
Professionals who can collaborate together in lesson planning and implementation Professionals who can share responsibilities and students Professionals who have similar teaching philosophies in class management and student outcome. It’s a balancing act
One Teaches while one observes Great for behavior analysis Great for teacher feedback Drawbacks: One teacher has all the responsibilities Students do not recognize two teachers in the room
A recommended approach to co-teaching Small groups rotate between both teachers and independent stations Drawbacks: Room size matters Student noise and off task behaviors can escalate if not properly taught in the procedures
Both Teachers work with equal sized groups of students and teach the same lesson simultaneously Drawbacks: The noise level can be distracting to to students who have difficulty attending. A large classroom setting is needed
OOne teacher instructs a larger group of students while the other teacher instructs a smaller group on the same material. Teachers would need to switch off teaching each group over time to ensure students see both as an equal teacher in the room. This is a great option for behavior management. Drawbacks: TThe smaller group may be stigmatized
Both teachers instruct the classroom at the same time sharing the responsibility of the lead instruction. It is like a choreography of two teachers (Friend, 2008) Drawbacks There is no individualized small group time that is necessary for some students
This has been the traditional method of providing services in a classroom to students with educational needs. Drawbacks: Students and teachers are not seen as equals One teacher carries the larger responsibility of teaching the classroom.
All Students Teachers share responsibilities More curriculum content can be covered
1. Who would I team with? Do I have a say? 2. When do we find time to plan together?
Do you have identified LD students in your classroom? Do you have behavioral concerns in your classroom? Do you enjoy collaborating with a colleague and sharing responsibilities? You’re a great fit for Co-teaching!
Lower level elementary Because class sizes are so small and each level has two teachers, you could combine classes for subjects you’d like to co-teach. Upper level elementary Co-teaching can be done with an educational therapist on Tuesday and Thursday mornings
Teaming Station Teaching One Teach One assist Alternative Teaching Most of your rooms can handle these approaches. These options provide equal responsibility and alternating responsibility options so teacher strengths can be maximized
Small group time Work together with your colleagues to discuss the following: 1. What type of co-teaching interests you the most? 2. Can your room size support the type of co- teaching you want to implement? 3. How would planning and teaching responsibilities be shared?
We promise to support your decision to co- teach by: Providing the materials you will need Providing you shared planning time (during your weekly movie time or grouping your Art and PE classes) Providing you in-service training on management and implementation of techniques
Video in-service training Observe co-taught classes at St. Luke’s School Attend Volusia County training classes
1. Teacher decisions by October Training, planning and schedule changes through December Implementation by January 6, Evaluation and review process (continual through June 2010). 5. Follow up training and refining of techniques will occur during weekly faculty meetings as determined by the principal.
Our student body profile is changing Our educational needs are growing The need for classroom support is evident Your strengths can be utilized more effectively Your sanity can be maintained when two heads collaborate
Your students are worth your effort and You are worth our effort !