Co-Teaching Let’s Dig Deeper
“Laverne, I’m telling you, flying is safer than driving! Nobody has ever crashed into a cloud!”
“Yeah Shirley, well nobody ever fell 40,000 feet from a DeSoto, either.”
Make Your School Awesome Staff
May 13, 2021
Now grab your forever teammate and/or work spouse and let’s dive back in! If you enjoyed our first blog post about this topic entitled “So What is This Co-teaching Model?” I’m sure you’ll love this second piece. We discussed three of the six co-teaching models; now, let’s explore the final three.
Co-teaching is a learning environment with two teachers joined together in a partnership. Both accredited teachers deliver education to special education and general education students within the same classroom. Throughout instruction, the general education curriculum is utilized but is modified for students who require it. This team environment effectively allows educators to provide a high level of instruction to a diverse population of students to fit their needs and goals. Most importantly, teamwork makes the dream work!
Let’s discuss the three remaining models:
1. One Teach One Drift
This model allows one teacher to deliver direct instruction to the whole class while a secondary teacher walks around assisting those in need. (Take turns in these roles, and remember to mix it up).
2. Station Teaching
The Station Teaching Model allows the team to split the class into thirds. This is a great way to provide small group instruction! One group will work independently on a lesson with a teacher. The 2nd teacher will teach the same “concept” or lesson in their unique way to the other small group. The third group will work independently with a self-led activity reviewing the same concept or lesson. Students will rotate within the three stations.
3. Team Teaching
There is no “I” in T-E-A-M! That’s right; both teachers are leading instruction at the same time. Think of this environment as if you are watching the opening monologue at the Oscars with two co-hosts simultaneously delivering the show’s introduction. Many professional development presenters describe this delivery as “one brain in two bodies.” This is truly a simultaneous team approach to delivering instruction.
The Old Saying: “Two Heads are Better than One.”
Important teacher takeaways. There are six co-teaching models. Both teachers are equal. In a classroom that practices a healthy co-teaching methodology, you would never know who the general education or special education teacher is at any given time. Mix up your methods based upon your students and their needs. Always be mindful of the 6 methods in co-teaching models to plan your lessons accordingly. Reflect and use what works best with you and your teammate!
“Remember, it’s not your classroom it’s OURS.”
TEACH, SHARE, INSPIRE