What exactly is co-teaching? Well, here is my definition of it: When two educators join forces working seamlessly to educate students together!
I have been co-teaching for over half of my 10 year career! I have been blessed to have had great relationships with all my co-teachers. I have co-taught with another special education teacher for 5 years and I am now currently working with general education teachers. I want to share 4 tips that have helped me along the way!
Tip #1 – Learn from one another
Everyone’s teaching style and delivery is different. Learn from one another. Offer suggestions to your co-teacher and vise versa. Being the teacher that “pushes in” to the general education classroom I always want the teacher to know I am here to help with it all. We are equals when it comes to planning, lesson plans, delivery, etc. Observing your co-teacher and learning new tricks will only make you a better educator. Lastly, don’t be afraid to suggest something or share a strategy you have learned.
Tip # 2 – Small favors = big rewards
Doing a small gesture for your co-teacher can help seal your relationship. Sending an email after a great lesson or with a positive comment about the day is FREE and goes a long way!! I would occasionally bring in a beverage (coffee, soda, iced tea) on days I knew would be long or harder for my co-teacher. I have done silly things like bring a pear in and say “we make a great pear”, or a new package of post-its with the phrase glad we “stick” together, or a candy bar with a sticker that says you are pretty “sweet”. It is something small, but really shows you care about the relationship. Students can pick up on if you and your co-teacher “vibe” or not. Grab these tags below!
Tip #3 – Learn the environment/classroom
When starting a new co-teaching relationship I ask about the classroom procedures. When can students use the restroom, where are the extra supplies, what are you expectations. This way I am helpful when a student asks me if the general education teacher is busy. I don’t want to be a hindrance, I want to be there to help and be created equal. Also, by doing this I believe it gives the co-teacher peace of mind if they have out be out knowing their class is taken care of.
Ask the teacher what their expectations are of you and express what yours are of that teacher. Open communication from the beginning is what is going to start your co-teaching relationship off on a solid foundation.
Tip # 4 – Ask for your own space
I have been in 3 different classrooms in 1 school setting. Lugging all my materials to each class can be a pain. Especially, my data sheets, binders, and manipulatives. One of my co-teachers offered me a table and small area where I could leave my belongings. This was SO nice. I now know do not be afraid to ask for a cabinet, drawer, or just a small space to keep your materials. It is partially your classroom too.
