Co-Teaching Models by Alexandra Townes

Parallel Teaching

2025-08-19 23:07:27 UTC

Parallel teaching in a co-teaching model that divides the class into two groups with both the general education teacher and special education teacher delivering the same lesson/objective at the same time to their group of students.

Break out Class rotates through stations whatever they are working on (reading, writing, independent work, sensory, experiments )

2025-08-19 23:08:47 UTC

Parallel Teaching

2025-08-19 23:10:24 UTC

For students they get the opportunity to be exposed to different teacher styles. Student can be more likely to share and participate in a smaller group of students. More individualized teaching. For teachers, both get equal opportunities in the classroom.

2025-08-19 23:11:04 UTC

Students take ownership with greater autonomy, which boosts engagement, encourages teamwork and problem-solving, and promotes active learning through hands-on tasks

Team Teaching

2025-08-19 23:11:39 UTC

Co-teachers are delivering instruction at the same time. Heavy emphasis on personal relationships and understanding each other as individuals and teachers. One brain & two bodies.

2025-08-19 23:12:58 UTC

One teacher One assist would look like one teacher teaching the content while the co-teacher provides modifications, accommodations and manages behaviors.

Team Teaching

2025-08-19 23:13:48 UTC

Demonstrates a natural relationship and level of comfort between teachers. Trust is evident between both teachers.

Parallel Teaching

2025-08-19 23:16:04 UTC

Both educators need to be able to collaborate with one another. Enough time together during the school day to plan. Teachers not wanting to work with specific learners. Professional development and intervisitations can be helpful when teachers don't feel prepared to teach in the co-taught model. Size of the room and spacing can be a challenge.

2025-08-19 23:16:06 UTC

A benefit would be a student being able to participate in the lesson without having to share in the whole group and worrying about making a mistake. One teacher one assist reduces disruptions and increases engagement by keeping the students on task and providing guidance. Limited amount of planning between co-teachers.

Some challenges include planning effective groupings, managing materials and time, and addressing student or staff absences. Success depends on having clear materials and strong time management to keep rotations running smoothly and engaging.

2025-08-19 23:17:08 UTC

Team Teaching

2025-08-19 23:17:24 UTC

Has a level of professional intimacy and that takes time to establish and maintain.

2025-08-19 23:24:30 UTC

Some challenges are if co-teachers do not get along and the students pick up on that energy which can cause students to play the teachers against each other. The struggle with gaining the students respect because many times students think the special education teacher is just an assistant and will state " I do not have to listen to you; you are the fake teacher." It is important to address the students the first week of school and assert dominance so that the students understand that both teachers are in charge in the class. It is also important for both teachers to work with all of the students so that the students with IEPs do not feel like they are being singled out which could increase bullying.