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The idea of professional development is essential providing teachers a deeper understanding in collaboration, co-teaching, and consultation practices especially since many college courses have not properly prepared teachers in the past. The administrator that I interviewed mentioned how important it is for teachers to have more consultation with co-teaching experts and those who have knowledge in best practices. This can easily be obtained through professional development courses that provide the necessary information to allow teachers to better understand co-teaching models. Education is continually changing so it is essential for teachers to keep up with different practices and professional development courses will provide the necessary training for successful classrooms.

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After interviewing a general education and a special education teacher as well as administrative staff, all three agree that time is one variable that effects collaboration, co-teaching and consolation. The special education teachers mentioned that there is not enough time in the day to meet with other teachers and discuss curriculum ideas and/or any issue that arise in the classroom. Many teachers have other commitments and it is difficult to find the necessary time to discuss improvements in the classroom. The general education teacher mentioned that a shared prep time would help ease the time constraints, but many times that is difficult for administration to accommodate this for all teachers. Collaboration and consultation are essential in improving the learning process, so it is important for teachers to find the time to meet with one another but many times that is easier said than done.

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                                                                                                                             We Need More ...

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Teamwork is essential in collaboration and co-teaching because both require teachers to be able to cohesively work together for the betterment of the students. When co-teaching, teachers must work together developing and delivering a lesson that is manageable. While it is important for teachers not to contradict each other in the presence of students, it is important for them to respectively challenge one another. When there is any type of disagreement, the team will be able to think more critically and develop a stronger plan of attack instead of just agreeing with the first idea. Trust is also vital component in teamwork. The teachers will need listen and respect each other and accept constructive criticism because it is important for continual development in the classroom. Ideally, leaders will emerge with teamwork, but overall there will be a shared responsibility in improving educational practices in the classroom.

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Another crucial element in communication is professionalism. First and foremost, teachers are role models for their students, so they must conduct themselves in a manner that portrays compassion and respect for everyone in the classroom. When teachers exhibit professionalism, they are showing they truly care about the school community and are focused on the success of the school. It is important for teachers, especially the same grade-level teachers, to collaborate with each other to address and identify any problems and/or difficulties with the curriculum. It is important that teachers’ interactions with the staff, students, parents, and the community remain positive and collaborative in order to reach mutual goals. The administrator that I interviewed also mentioned how professionalism is necessary in a co-teaching environment. Professionalism allows both teachers to discuss best classroom practices and develop the most engaging lessons which will allow them to create a successful learning environment. Furthermore, professionalism allows teachers to continue to grow in their own practice in order to become better educators in the future.

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Trust is also important in teacher relationships whether it is with collaboration, co-teaching, or consultation.  The general education teacher I interviewed mentioned how important it is that a teacher trusts the other teacher in the room. If there is no trust between the teachers, the students will suffer. Trust allows the teachers to create an open environment that lends itself to the idea of cooperation among everyone in the classroom. Without trust, the tension in the classroom will build and the students will oftentimes be confused especially if the teachers are utilizing different methods to deliver the content. Trust is also essential in consultations. Teachers must be able to not only trust, but also respect what another is saying in regards to making improvements in the school. Without trust among the staff, the school will have difficulty flourishing.

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All three of my interviewees agreed that communication is essential in collaboration, co-teaching, and consultation. Effective communication skills require an individual to both speak and listen to others thoughts and ideas while at the same time being able to communicate his/her own point of view. In a co-teaching environment, the teachers need to discuss their ideas and be able to compromise, change, or adapt to each other’s styles in order to successfully deliver lessons that encourage students to become engaged learners. If a school strives to be a professional learning community, it will be essential for teachers to consult with their colleagues which will allow them to learn from each others experiences. Teachers also need to be open to constructive criticism especially when collaborating with other individuals.  If teachers are unable to accept criticism their practice will rarely improve. Overall, communication aids in the students’ success as well as the success of the school.

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                                                                                                                 Common Themes 

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8th grade General Education teacher: “Meeting with other teachers to discuss and plan upcoming units in order to for the entire grade to be on the same page as well as to ensure we are meeting standards”

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Special Education Teacher: “Co-teaching is two or more teachers taking the responsibility for delivering instruction and assessment to a classroom of students”

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Administration: “Shared leadership and trusting other stakeholders’ professionalism to reach mutual goals”