Three years ago, to more effectively serve our English Learners, the three of usâAllyson (ESL), John
(2nd grade), and Ashley (1st grade)âbegan co-teaching. And, if weâre being completely honest, we
really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We quickly learned that co-teaching takes
time, dedication, and adaptability as well as constant effort, communication, and flexibility.
Marrying teaching styles, perspectives, and different sets of expertise is complicated and often
challenging. Yet, weâre here to tell you from experienceâitâs worth it. We are better teachers
because of co-teaching and our students have shown unprecedented growth.
But, letâs start from the top.
What really is co-teaching?
Co-teaching is a practice in which two teachers lead a classroom, creating an inclusive setting where
expertise is shared for the benefit of a diverse group of students. Whether a general educator and
special education teacher, general educator and ESL teacher, or one of many other possible
combinations, successful co-teaching requires extensive collaboration. While there is no
one-size-fits-all approach, here are 8 co-teaching tips that have worked for us:
1. Build rapport
First things first: When you begin co-teaching you may or may not know your partner on a personal
level. Building that relationship, both personally and professionally, is key to successful
co-teaching. Trust can make or break you and establishing that trust takes time and effort. Put in
the work. Invite your co-teacher to grab a coffee outside of school. Get to know each other as
people. Share your favorites. It may seem arbitrary but donât skip this step! The best co-teachers
know and trust each other completely. For ideas, try this fun 15-Day
Co-Teaching Challenge!
2. Use inclusive vocabulary
It might seem basic, but this is one of our most important co-teaching tips. Use the language OUR
classroom, OUR students. Change your language, change your mindset. In order for both teachers to be
viewed as equals, you have to speak it into existence. The language you use helps shift your mindset
towards the belief that the class and classroom space belong to both teachers. Your students and
your co-teaching partnership succeed because of both of you.
3. Communicate
What are your expectations for your partnership? How will you manage your co-taught classroom? These
conversations are not only vital to establishing parity, but also to building a classroom
environment that is consistent for your students. Successful co-teachers set themselves up for
success at the beginning of the year by putting a plan into place and having the tough
conversations. It may not always be comfortable, but itâs necessary.
Try using a
co-teaching contract to make sure that you hit all of the important pieces. The little
things that might not bother you, may make your co-teacher crazy! The rules shouldnât change when
your co-teacher walks in the room. Norms should be agreed upon and consistent. Otherwise, you may
just find yourself pulling your hair out when the kids only bring their work to you or your
co-teacher corrects a behavior in way you donât prefer. These things may be small but they make all
the difference.
Think of setting up a classroom management plan alongside your co-teacher. What do we do when someone
blurts? How will we reward students when they do well? How should we make transitions? What are your
biggest pet peeves? Plan everything out at the beginning to avoid frustrations later.
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4. Establish parity
Parityâs general definition is the state of being equal. When that is applied to a co-teaching model
it refers to the equality between the two teachers delivering instruction to the same class. Believe
it or not, parity may just make or break your co-teaching dynamic regardless of the quality of your
instruction.
In order to establish that parity, your co-teaching team can take some concrete steps before the
school year even begins. Consider the impact that having both teachers in the classroom for a
Meet-the-Teacher or Open House night. Introducing yourself to parents and students using the
pronouns of âweâ and âusâ will go far in establishing parity. If your school does not offer these
opportunities, then send out a welcome letter stating that their child will have TWO teachers this
year.
Go a step further, analyze the physical layout of the classroom. Do both teachers have a physical
space where they can store their teaching materials? If not, then consider how small steps impact
student perception. Taking concrete steps before the start of school will go far in presenting your
co-teaching dynamic as a unified team. When true parity has been established, the students will not
realize why the specialist is there and will see both teachers as their teacher, parents will be
comfortable contacting either teacher and staff members who visit may not even be able to tell who
is the classroom teacher and who is the specialist.
5. Know each otherâs strengths and weaknesses
No two teachers are the same and each of us have our own defined teaching philosophy. Some of us can
surgically create a line of questioning to broaden a studentâs understanding, while others run and
jump on a table to engage a class of students. Expecting both teachers to completely match their
styles is unrealistic. Luckily for us, there are many different co-teaching models to make use of
our differences. Take the time early on in your co-teaching dynamic to have the conversations about
strengths and weaknesses. Keep that knowledge of your co-teacher in mind whenever you are
co-planning a lesson. If you capitalize on each others strengths, Â you will find instruction to
be stronger and more impactful.
6. Take risks
In order to foster a growth mindset and encourage risk-taking in our students, teachers must be
willing to take risks themselves. Taking risks, and even failing in front of students, demonstrates
that not everything always goes as planned and making mistakes is part of the learning process.
Modeling for students how to fail gracefully instills perseverance and mindfulness in our students.
Taking risks can be uncomfortable, but the beauty of co-teaching is youâre in this together. Try new
strategies, activities, ideas, or student groupings on a regular basis. Then, reflect as a pair.
Co-teachers who take risks together, grow together.
7. Be flexible
One of the biggest challenges of co-teaching is scheduling. As a teacher it is already hard to find
time to plan, assess, reflect and meet with parents and working around your co-teacherâs schedule
only adds to this. It is important to remember that even when carefully planned, things happen that
are out of your control. Ask yourself, how often do things really follow a set plan in school? We as
teachers need to be ready to change our lessons at the drop of a hat in order to meet our studentâs
needs. Be willing to adapt and change when challenges are thrown at you. Communication is key when
these situations arise. Real life happens, which is why it is important to communicate with your
co-teacher. Try to be understanding when your co-teacher has something come up and be willing to
work around it.
8. Learn together
It is important to make sure that you are always growing and learning together as co-teachers. When
you are co-reflecting, try to find something that you could both improve on and participate in
professional development opportunities as a team. Co-teachers have the unique opportunity to try new
things together and the students will benefit as you fill your teacher toolboxes with new ideas and
strategies. Whether itâs a webinar, a conference, observing another professional or inviting
visitors to observe or give you feedback, find ways to develop your expertise and evolve together.
Weâll leave you with this: Co-teaching is like riding a tandem bike. It brings together teachers with
different expertise, talents, strengths, and abilities to synchronize instruction for the benefit of
all students (Dove & Honigsfeld). Begin with a shared vision for equitable learning practices
and enjoy the ride!
Weâd love to hear any co-teaching tips you might have. Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE
group on Facebook.
Plus, how
to deal with a difficult co-teacher.
