Co-teaching involves two or more teachers sharing instructional responsibilities for a single group of students in the same classroom. There are several co-teaching models including one teach/one observe, station teaching, parallel teaching, and team teaching. Challenges of co-teaching include finding time to plan, establishing trust and roles between teachers, and agreeing on classroom management. However, benefits include a sense of belonging for special needs students, differentiated instruction, and support for teachers.

1. Co-Teaching
Nicole Garon
EDIM 510

2. What is Co-Teaching?
Two or more educators
teaching a single
group of students
primarily in one
location or classroom
Shared responsibility,
ownership, and
accountability

3. Co-Teaching Models
One Teach, One Observe: One teacher
leads whole group instruction while the
other makes observations and collects
data about the students
One Teach, One Drift: One teacher leads
whole group instruction and the other
provides unobtrusive assistance to
students as needed

4. Co-Teaching Models
Parallel Teaching: The class
is divided into two groups
and the same lesson is
delivered simultaneously
Station Teaching: Students
rotate to stations with both
teachers leading a station
and one station is
designated for seatwork

5. Co-Teaching Models
Alternative Teaching: The large
group completes the planned
lesson while a small group is
pulled to work on a different
lesson or the same lesson at a
different level (remediate/
enrich)
Team Teaching: Both teachers
are delivering instruction to the
entire class at the same time

6. Challenges of Co-Teaching
Finding time to plan
together
Establishing trust
Establishing roles and
responsibilities
Deciding on a mutually
agreeable classroom
management model

7. Benefits of Co-Teaching
Sense of belonging for
students with special needs
Mutual respect between special
needs students and regular
education students
An additional educator to
deliver differentiated
instruction
Sense of support for teachers
involved

8. Sources
Baxter, Judy. (2005). 9:15 AM-Students Reading and Working on Seatwork.
Retrieved September 26, 2010, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/judybaxter/
7229079/.
Cook, Lynne. (2004). Co-Teaching: Principles, Practices, and Pragmatics. Retrieved
from http://www.ped.state.nm.us/seo/library/qrtrly.0404.coteaching.lcook.pdf.
Emery, James. (2007). Boys in Classroom. Retrieved September 26, 2010, from :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/emeryjl/511011540/.
Mcmt, Dave. (2005). Pocket-sized Classroom. Retrieved September 26, 2010, from:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_mcmt/187432802/.
State of Progress. (2007). Coteaching. Retrieved September 26, 2010, from: http://
www.flickr.com/photos/stateofprogress/2064681868/.
Wilkin, Garret and Kitty. (2008). Wilkin/Prunk Coteaching Team. Retrieved
September 26, 2010, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gareandkitty/
2998312150/.