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In collaborative teams providing special education services, the following individuals typically play key roles:

Special Education Teachers: Provide one-on-one instruction and support to students with disabilities.

General Education Teachers: Adapt their teaching methods to accommodate the needs of students with special education needs.

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IEP Team Roles and Responsibilities Explained | Lighthouse Therapy

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Understanding IEP Team Roles and How They Support Student Success

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As more schools move toward inclusion, integrated co-teaching (also known as collaborative team teaching) is becoming more common. However, not all teachers are familiar with co-teaching models, the planning and collaboration it takes, or the different ways it can look in a classroom.

Co-teachers are often general education teachers and special education teachers working together in the general education classroom. You plan lessons together and teach together to support the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of all students - those who have been identified as having a disability and those who haven't.

Studies show that this co-teaching can successfully meet the needs of all learners when the co-teachers:

Have ample time to build a trusting relationship with one another

Have shared planning time

Each have the chance to use their expertise in the classroom

There are six basic models of co-teaching. Read on to learn how each model works, what it looks like in the classroom, and when to use it. You'll also learn about the benefits and challenges of each co-teaching model.

1. Team teaching

In team teaching, both teachers are in the room at the same time but take turns teaching the whole class. Team teaching is sometimes called "tag team teaching." You and your co-teacher are a bit like co-presenters at a conference or the Oscars. You don't necessarily plan who takes which part of the lesson, and when one of you makes a point, the other can jump in and elaborate if needed.

Team teaching can make you feel vulnerable. It asks you to step outside of your comfort zone and allow another teacher to see how you approach a classroom full of students. However, it also gives you the opportunity to learn about and improve your teaching skills by having a partner who can provide feedback and - in some cases - mentorship.

In team teaching, as well as the five other co-teaching models below, a teacher team may be made up of two general education teachers, two special education teachers, or one of each. Or in some cases, it may be a teacher and a paraprofessional working together. Some IEPs specify that a student's teaching team needs to include a general education teacher and a special education teacher.

Here's what you need to know about the team teaching method:

2. Parallel teaching

In parallel teaching, the team splits the class into two groups and each teacher teaches the same information at the same time. Parallel teaching works well to differentiate instruction when the content being taught is particularly challenging. Students can benefit from learning difficult material in a smaller group.

Parallel teaching can be a comfortable way to start co-teaching. You and your co-teacher plan together to make sure you're covering the same material. And since you're teaching your half of the class, you're less likely to feel closely observed by your colleague. Here's a closer look at parallel teaching:

What it looks like in the classroom
The class is divided into two groups, and both teachers teach the same information simultaneously in different sections of the room.

Benefits

Provides both teachers with an active instructional role

Lowers the student-teacher ratio and reduces the load of teaching a large class

Allows for small group instruction, which can be especially helpful for students who learn and think differently

Gives students the chance to ask more questions during lesson time

Provides a chance for students to work in heterogeneous groups (made up of varying abilities instead of groups of students with similar strengths and challenges)

Keeps the academic rigor of a demanding lesson, but splits the responsibility between both teachers

Challenges

Requires both teachers to have strong knowledge of the content so students will learn the same thing

Can be challenging to control for noise, distraction, and space when working in the same classroom

Requires careful timing to make sure both teachers end the lesson at the same time

3. Station teaching

In station teaching, the class is divided into three or more groups and the classroom has multiple learning centers. As the students rotate through the stations, the teachers teach the same material in different ways to each group. For example, fractions may be taught with a fraction line at one and with cubes at another. If there are more stations than teachers, some stations may be student-led and at least one will focus on independent work or practice opportunities.

Both you and your co-teacher are responsible for planning and teaching an in-depth concept that helps meet the overall lesson goal. Learn more about station teaching:

What it looks like in the classroom
Different learning stations are set up in various areas of the classroom, one for each teacher and at least one for independent student work.

Benefits

Provides both teachers with an active instructional role

Allows teachers to use flexible grouping to tailor teaching to each group's needs

Lowers the student-teacher ratio

Resets student focus with each station rotation, increasing engagement

Provides time for students to engage with the content on their own as well as with teachers

Supports a UDL approach to teaching

Allows for more material to be covered in a shorter time frame

Provides a clear teaching responsibility for each adult in the room

Challenges

Requires significant planning for teaching and material preparation

Students may not get to all of the stations if they're not moving at the same pace

May be noisy and distracting for some students

Requires pre-teaching around expectations for independent work time

4. Alternative teaching

In alternative teaching, one teacher instructs most of the class and the other teacher teaches an alternate or modified version of the lesson to a smaller group of students. Alternative teaching is also sometimes described as "big group/small group" teaching.

Small groups are often put together based on students' learning needs. You and your co-teacher will need to find time to look over student data. This will help you figure out which students need support filling in gaps in background knowledge, which students need remediation, or which students could benefit from accelerated learning because they already know the content or have mastered the skills of the large group lesson. Here's more of what you need to know about alternative teaching:

5. One teach, one assist

In the "one teach, one assist" model of co-teaching, one teacher teaches a full group lesson, while the other teacher roams and helps individual students. This is sometimes called "one teach, one support," because the second teacher often provides additional support for learning or behavior management.

This model of co-teaching can be difficult to negotiate because it may leave one teacher feeling more like an assistant. Building a strong relationship with your co-teacher and talking through when it makes sense to swap roles can make it easier. That's key to making sure that both of you have a chance to teach content and to provide support to students one-on-one.

Debriefing after a lesson is also key. Both of you need to know which students needed extra support during the lesson, what that support looked like, and what each student was struggling with. Here's what you need to know about this co-teaching method:

6. One teach, one observe

In a "one teach, one observe" setting, one teacher serves as the primary instructor, while the other is simply observing students' learning and collecting data, which can be useful in:

Determining what instruction takes place next

Seeing which students need additional help

Deciding what co-teaching model may be used next to address any identified needs

Identifying and tracking helpful school services, such as IEP, 504 plan, functional behavioral assessment (FBA), behavior intervention plan (BIP), or response to intervention (RTI)

Making co-teaching work

Co-teaching definitely has benefits, but it can also be challenging to implement. It can be especially hard for new teachers who are paired up with teachers who have more experience, or for co-teachers whose teaching philosophies differ from each other. But there are several steps you can take to help make co-teaching work:

1. Plan who's doing what. No matter which co-teaching model you use, you and your co-teacher need to thoughtfully plan out which responsibilities each of you will have. Planning is vital to your success as a co-teaching team.

2. Agree on expectations. Having a conversation before the year begins about your expectations for students, behavior, homework, bathroom use, etc., can help you work out any differences you may have and come to a consensus for how your shared class will run.It's also essential that both teachers share behavior management equally. Avoiding a "good cop/bad cop" situation can make it easier to maintain a positive classroom culture.

3. Understand the needs of all of your students. It's critical that both you and your co-teacher understand the needs of all of your students, including those who learn and think differently. Knowing how to read an IEP or 504 plan, implement accommodations, and participate in IEP meetings is a shared responsibility.

4. Use signposting. Making sure both of your names appear on the door, on assignments, and in the classroom can also help your students see you as the team you are.

5. Keep setting aside time to collaborate. Planning and reflecting on the lessons you teach together is especially important. Keeping lines of communication open, raising concerns respectfully, and having a supportive and involved administrator can help bridge any gaps.

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Learn about team teaching and other co-teaching models. Explore the benefits and challenges of each model and learn strategies to help make co-teaching work.

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Examples of co-teaching

Team teaching

Parallel teaching

Alternative teaching

Station teaching

One teach, one assist

One teach, one observe

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Benefits for teachers:

Professional Growth, Shared Responsibility, and Collaborative Problem-Solving

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Collaboration Enhances Student Achievement: Schools with strong collaborative cultures see improved student outcomes.

Establish Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): These structured meetings foster shared goals and collective problem-solving.

Utilize Technology: Tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams facilitate communication and resource sharing.

Celebrate Success Together: Recognizing achievements builds a positive team culture and motivates educators.

Overcome Challenges: Address barriers like time constraints and resistance to change with proactive strategies.

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15 Powerful Teacher Collaboration Strategies You Need to Know! 🚀

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Video: Teacher Collaboration: Spreading Best Practices School-Wide. In the ever-evolving world of education, the power of teacher collaboration cannot be overstated. Imagine a school where educators…

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Benefits for students:

Personalized Learning, Diverse Teaching Methods, and Increased Engagement

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- Establish a Shared Vision and Mutual Respect

- Vary Instructional Models Based on Student Needs

- Protect Time for Joint Planning

- Design Instruction That Benefits All Students

- Build a Culture of Inclusion Through Joint Leadership

- Supporting Co-Teaching Through Professional Learning

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Co-teaching, where two educators work together to deliver instruction to a group of students is not just a growing trend in education, but an innovative approach that enhances and strengthens learning experiences for teachers, students, and the school. Here we'll take a closer look at the numerous benefits co-teaching has to offer.

Benefits for Students

In a dual-teacher setting, students are offered a multifaceted educational experience. Here's how co-teaching directly impacts students' academic and personal growth.

Personalized Learning

In a co-taught classroom, the student-to-teacher ratio decreases, allowing for a more individualized learning experience. This setup makes it easier to identify and address each student's unique needs and provides more opportunities for small-group learning. For example, advanced learners who need more challenging material can be with one teacher, while students who require additional support can be with another teacher.

Diverse Teaching Methods

Co-teaching exposes students to different teaching styles, catering to various learning styles. For instance, some students may gravitate to a more hands-on approach while others may grasp information better through visuals. Having two educators in the classroom means that all learner's needs can be met, and these different approaches can be seamlessly integrated into the curriculum.

Increased Engagement

Having two teachers in the classroom can make lessons more engaging. One teacher can facilitate a discussion or activity while the other ensures students actively participate rather than passively listen. This approach can help students stay engaged, which can lead to better retention.

Supports Social and Emotional Growth

In a co-teaching classroom, students receive enhanced support for their social and emotional growth. With two teachers working together, social interactions and teamwork are being modeled, helping students observe and learn these vital skills. It also means that there is more attention available to address any individual emotional needs, which can create a more nurturing classroom.

Benefits for Teachers

Co-teaching benefits students and teachers. Here's how it enhances teachers' professional lives.

Professional Growth

Working in a collaborative team means learning from each other, sharing ideas, and gaining new perspectives. It provides opportunities to reflect and grow as a teacher. Moreover, co-teacher partnerships can help identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.

Shared Responsibility

A co-teaching setup shares the responsibilities of planning, instruction, and assessment. This can alleviate the workload and reduce burnout, as teachers are not solely responsible for every aspect of classroom management. It also allows for more creative and comprehensive lesson plans.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

Having a co-teacher means someone is always there when a problem arises. Whether it's tackling behavioral issues or trying new ways to engage students, two teachers working together can devise more effective solutions than one might on their own. This shared responsibility and mutual support can help reduce stress and increase confidence in addressing various classroom challenges.

Builds Camaraderie and Support

Teaching can be an isolated profession, but co-teaching can foster a sense of camaraderie and support for one another. Teachers can lean on each other during tough times and celebrate successes together, which can improve job satisfaction and overall well-being. By working as a team, co-teachers create a more positive and fulfilling teaching experience, ultimately benefiting educators and their students.

Benefits for Schools

The advantages of co-teaching extend beyond the classroom, positively impacting the entire school community. Here's how co-teaching benefits schools as a whole.

Increased Student Achievement

Co-teaching significantly enhances student achievement by providing more personalized instruction and increasing student engagement. Schools implementing this model may often see higher test scores or improved attendance rates. According to research, co-teaching contributes to improved academic performance and overall student success.

Fosters a Collaborative School Culture

Implementing co-teaching in schools promotes a culture of collaboration and teamwork. This collaborative spirit extends beyond the classroom, encouraging greater cooperation among staff, creating a positive school climate, and improving communication between teachers, administrators, and parents. Schools that embrace co-teaching may report a stronger sense of community and a more cohesive approach to addressing educational challenges.

Efficient Use of Resources

By pairing teachers with complementary skills and knowledge, schools can use their human resources more efficiently. For example, a teacher with expertise in special education can partner with a general education teacher, allowing both to focus on their strengths while supporting each other. This efficient use of resources can lead to better educational outcomes without additional costs.

Promotes Inclusive Education

Co-teaching is particularly beneficial in inclusive classrooms, where students with diverse needs learn together. With two teachers in a classroom, it's easier to support students without singling them out. This fosters an inclusive environment for students with special needs. It also enhances academic success for all students, preparing them to thrive in school and beyond.

Co-teaching is a powerful strategy that significantly benefits students, teachers, and schools. Through personalized learning and diverse teaching methods, co-teaching can increase student engagement and support their social and emotional growth. For teachers, this collaborative approach can provide opportunities for growth, shared responsibility, and support. Schools can benefit from improved student outcomes and efficient use of resources. By embracing co-teaching, you can create a dynamic and supportive learning environment where all students thrive.

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Explore the advantages of co-teaching in classrooms. Learn how collaboration between teachers can improve student learning, increase diversity, and enhance professional development.

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Joint leadership in the classroom is more than a model of instruction. It requires mutual respect and a shared vision for students’ success.