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Co-teaching is becoming an increasingly popular teaching model in schools across the globe. This type of teaching arrangement has a multitude of advantages for both new and experienced teachers, and it offers a number of advantages when it comes to supporting struggling learners.

In fact, a meta-analysis of research has indicated the benefits of quality co-teaching environments include increased reading and math achievement and decreased behavior issues.

In this blog post, we will discuss what co-teaching is and the four different models. I'll also share tips on how to get started if you are interested in pursuing a career as a co-teacher!

What is co-teaching?

The Four Models of Co-teaching

There are four commonly implemented models educators can use to support student learning. While there are several others, they are:

The Alternative Teaching Model: In this model, each teacher is responsible for a different group of students. The teachers take turns teaching the content while the other teacher works with a small group or individual students.

The Team Teaching Model: This is when both teachers are working with the entire class at the same time. They are both responsible for planning and delivering instruction.

Most co-teaching classrooms use a combination of these models to meet the needs of their students. I want to note that all four models can be used in an inclusive setting, meaning that all students are welcome in the classroom regardless of their ability level.

Advantages of Coteaching

There are many advantages to this model, both for teachers and students. Some of the benefits of co-teaching include:

Allows for Differentiation: One of the biggest advantages is that it allows for differentiation. With two teachers in the classroom, there is more opportunity to meet the individual needs of each student.

Increased Student Engagement: We know that engaged students are more successful with learning. Co-teaching allows for increased student engagement because there are two teachers working to keep students interested and engaged in the material.

More Support for Students: Another advantage is that it provides more support for students. Having two teachers in the classroom means that there is always someone available to help students who are struggling.

More Support for Teachers: In addition to providing more support for students, co-teaching also provides more support for teachers. With two teachers working together, there is someone to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with.

Challenges of Coteaching

While there are many advantages, it is important to be aware of the challenges that you may face. Some of the challenges of co-teaching include:

Organization: One challenge that you may face is organization. It can be difficult to keep track of two different lesson plans and make sure that both teachers are on the same page.

Scheduling: Another challenge is scheduling. It can be difficult to find time to meet with your co-teacher to plan lessons and collaborate.

Different Teaching Styles: Another challenge that you may face is different teaching styles. It is important to find a way to work together despite different teaching philosophies.

How to Get Started

I hope you found this information helpful. If you are interested in getting started, there are a few things that you can do to get the ball rolling.

Do you have any questions about co-teaching? Leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer them!

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Co-teaching is becoming an increasingly popular teaching model in schools across the globe. This type of teaching arrangement has a multitude of advantages for both new and experienced teachers, and it offers a number of advantages when it comes to supporting struggling learners. In fact, a meta-analysis of research

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The impact of collaborative teaching and learning

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Well planned, team taught lessons, exhibit an invisible flow of instruction with no prescribed division of authority. Using a team teaching strategy, both teachers are actively involved in the lesson. From a students’ perspective, there is no clearly defined leader – as both teachers share the instruction, are free to interject information, and available to assist students and answer questions. Example: Both instructors can share the reading of a story or text so that the students are hearing two voices.

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Alternative teaching strategies provide two different approaches to teaching the same information. The learning outcome is the same for all students however the avenue for getting there is different. Example: One instructor may lead a group in predicting prior to reading by looking at the cover of the book and the illustrations, etc. The other instructor accomplishes the same outcome but with his/her group, the students predict by connecting the items pulled out of the bag with the story.

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This strategy allows one teacher to work with students at their expected grade level, while the other teacher works with those students who need the information and/or materials retaught, extended or remediated. Example: One teacher may work with students who need reteaching of a concept while the other teacher works with the rest of the students on enrichment

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Each teacher instructs half the students. The two teachers are addressing the same instructional material and presenting the material using the same teaching strategy. The greatest benefit to this approach is the reduction of student to teacher ratio. Example: Both teachers are leading a question and answer discussion on specific current events and the impact they have on our economy.

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The co-teaching pair divides the instructional content into parts – Each teacher instructs one of the groups, groups then rotate or spend a designated amount of time at each station – often an independent station will be used along with the teacher led stations. Example: One teacher might lead a station where the students play a money math game and the other teacher could have a mock store where the students purchase items and make change.

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An extension of One Teach, One Observe. One teacher has primary instructional responsibility while the other assists students with their work, monitors behaviors, or corrects assignments. Example: While one teacher has the instructional lead, the person assisting can be the “voice” for the students when they don’t understand or are having difficulties.

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One teacher has primary responsibility while the other gathers specific observational information on students or the (instructing) teacher. The key to this strategy is to focus the observation – where the teacher doing the observation is observing specific behaviors. Example: One teacher can observe students for their understanding of directions while the other leads