What are several co-teaching tips that you will be able to utilize in your
classroom next fall even if you don't officially co-teach? How will you use
them and why did you choose these ideas?
One concept that I found so important was that there are no "your kids" and "my kids". I know that sometimes we have a tendency to split the class and seperate the children and also the responsibility. I think that it is very important that the teachers feel that all of the students are their responsiblity. The idea that all children need materials to be presented in diverse manners is also another great co-teaching tip. The importance of planning while it seems like a obvious thing I think it is something we sometimes run out of time for. Finally being open and honest with our co-teacher about our strenghs and most importantly our weakness in the classroom. We really need to get to know the personality of the person we are working with. It seems that co-teaching is a work in process through out year.
The idea you presented that there are no "your kids and my kids" should be on every co-teachers desk so that they see it every day and more importantly, practice it everyday.
Nancy-I agree and like that you touched upon the "your kids" and "my kids" mindset. I think this is a big hurdle that has a ripple effect. Not only will it alienate the teacher/co-teachers from one another, but the students may feel pushed aside or not included in 1 group or the other. It seems such a simple concept, yet is often times still practiced. Thanks for bringing up a great point for us to remember.
The most useful tip that I found was utilizing the varied approaches of one teach/one observe, station teaching, parallel teaching, alternative teaching, teaming, and one teach/one assist. Next year will be my first time co-teaching in the classroom. I will be working with an ELL teacher for a double period class. I think that utilizing those co-teaching approaches will definitely be beneficial for student learning and it will create variety in the classroom. In addition, I also think that it is important to stay consistent with enforcing the classroom rules. You do not want students to think that they can get away with misbehavior with one teacher. Before we even begin class, I will make sure to meet with my co-teacher to agree upon classroom rules and equitable enforcement. Finally, it is essential to utilize each others' strengths. My co-teacher is fluent inn Arabic, so he will be able to communicate with many of my students if they are having difficulty understanding English. In addition, he is trained in ELL, so he will be able to differentiate and apply strategies in the lessons. My background is in mathematics, so I will be able to help him with the scope and sequence and best practices in Algebra. Together, I hope that we can lean a lot and have a successful school year.
I'm hoping that you get lots of helpful tips before you begin next year's co-teaching assignment. I too appreciate the varied approaches to co-teaching!
There are several co-teaching tips that I have learned about. The Power of 2 video opened my eyes up to several different teaching styles. When teaching with another person it is important to find out how they feel about certain styles and methods of teaching. Being able to effectively communicate your needs to one another is very important, as you will be collaborating for the entire year. The one teach one assist approach is a great way for the students to benefit from having another teacher in the room. I feel this approach allows ample opportunity for students to ask questions and assist with any problem that may arise during instruction time. From what I have read about co-teaching is effective in creating a rich environment for developing positive student growth and development. Lisa – what a great opportunity you will have this year co-teaching with the ELL teacher. I am sure you will be successful!
Typically, all of the strategies and techniques can fall into 1 of 2 categories. Either it is under communication, or it would fall under collaboration. The first rule of thumb is communication. Be open and honest. Provide feedback and be willing to accept feedback as well. Discuss everything no matter how simple it seems. Get to know them on a personal level. Learn their styles, preferences, classroom management styles in order to be effective co workers. The second benefit would be collaboration. Make sure you are planning and executing things together. Ask for input. Set time aside to discuss how you can work together and draw upon each of your unique strengths. I currently have 30 minutes at the end of each day to talk with my other teacher. We make it a point to also conduct weekly team meetings with not just us, but everyone involved with the class. These meetings include PE teachers, social workers, principals and classroom teachers to discuss and facilitate plans and ensure that we are all collaboratively working together for the benefit of the student.
I love your list of how to collaborate and communicate with a co-teacher...especially the idea that it should always be for the benefit of the student.
One of the most important aspects of co-teaching is having an open and honest relationship with one another. Also, I agree with Nancy that both teachers should consider ALL students to be their students. There should never be a "my student" or "your student". Knowing one another's strengths, interests, and weaknesses can really allow your classroom to run efficiently and be more beneficial to all students. I think it is vital that both teachers set aside multiple times per week to reflect on teaching practices and plan together. In my experiences, too often one person becomes the main teacher and does all of the planning, while the other teacher (usually the special educator) becomes somewhat of another paraprofessional in the classroom. This does not set up the students for success, nor does it seem fair for either teacher.
I have never co-taught before, but after watching the videos and researching some helpful tips for co-teachers, I learned a lot of new things. I think one of the most important things, aside from communication and collaboration, is to not identify yourself as the special education or general education teacher. Like my classmates have already stated, both teachers need to work with all of the students. The students shouldn’t be able to identify the difference between the general education and special education teachers. In one of the videos, it talked about how a group of high school students viewed the general education teacher as the actual teacher and the special education teacher as the assistant or aide. This is a common issue in co-taught classrooms. The way to avoid this is to use a variety of co-teaching styles where both teachers play an active role with all of the students. It will make it a lot easier on both of the teachers, and it will also benefit the students.
I co-taught for two years and we definitely took turns teaching. I don't know that we ever truly co-taught. I feel bad that that is how my time with that school district was but we didn't have guidance or support. We were both new and did the best that we could. Some tips I learned after watching the video and completing the assignments from the past module were: - establishing rapport is very important: you want to make sure you both are on the same page and are always open and honest with each other. - know your co-teacher's teaching style: that way you can figure out how to best reach your students. - make sure you both follow the same rules and do not play of each other: you want to make sure both of you are disciplining the students equally and following your classroom rules. - make sure to take the time to plan: planning is very important and both teachers should be involved in that process.
One of the co-teaching tips that I will utilize in my classroom is sharing joint accountability with my assistant teacher and therapists. As a former assistant teacher, I often was asked for my input or thoughts for lesson plan ideas or behavioral supports. I would then offer my suggestions or ideas and I was congratulated for my efforts but my ideas were never genuinely put to use because of the fact that the classroom teacher would not let go of her control. It was a very frustrating situation and it actually prevented me from enjoying my co-teaching experience fully. Therefore as a new teacher, I plan on embracing and implementing ideas from my professional peers to foster growth in my professional development. Another co-teaching tip to use in my classroom is to know my limitations. I have noticed, as a new teacher, there are moments when I can be too kind or forgiving for matters that should be met with further discipline or remediation. However, I need to learn to understand my "breaking point" and address issues head on with a paraprofessional review or a quiet discussion before or after school (with administrative permission). This provides a respectful work environment. Another co-teaching tip is to refrain from interjecting when another professional is teaching and to keep a notepad to either email or discuss at a later time. This creates a non-judgmental environment and allows me to organize my thoughts prior to a discussion on their instruction.
I am so happy that you are a lead teacher now, Lauren! As frustrating as I am sure that was, it definitely has given you perspective to have wonderful relationships and effective collaboration with your co-workers now.
Wow you seem to have taken so much from the co-teaching lessons and I hope you are able to incorporate them into your classroom. It is important to understand how much control to have versus working collaboratively and listening to others ideas and opinions and incorporating other ideas into your classroom.
Even though I do not co-teach, I have a paraprofessional in the classroom. There is a difference between the two as a paraprofessional is more representing additional classroom support, but it gives the atmosphere and presentation at times as co-teaching when there is a good collaboration between the two. With co-teaching however, I firmly believe that If you feel something, be honest and upfront. Open communication is really important to a successful partnership with your co-teacher. I also believe that it is important to understand that the success of your class depends on the strength of your co-teaching relationship. If students do not see that the two of you are in sync and working on the same page, they will pick up on it immediately. I also believe that with co-teaching, you should be willing to be very flexible and understanding because there will be two minds with possibly two different views to approach situations or teach lessons, so flexibility becomes a key. All of these can be practiced not only with co-teaching, but with fellow co-workers. In my transition team, we collaborate and almost work as co-teachers, yet we're in different classrooms. These practices are what we as a team highly reflect on to ensure everyone is effectively teaching all of the participants.
I actually co-teach one class every week with a general educator. I really like the alternative teaching group being used for reasons other that remediation, like pre-teaching and enrichment. I think this would start to break the stigma of the smaller group being the "needy" or "behind" group and then students might be excited to be a part of that group. I also like the idea of no one student "belonging" to any one teacher. I think it is so often that the special educator takes responsibility for the students with IEPs and the general educator takes responsibility for everyone else, however, that should not be the case.
Since I only have ever taught a self-contained classroom, I have never had the opportunity to co-teach. The school I work at is made up entirely of self-contained classrooms. An arguable "downside" to this is that many teachers, including myself, get into the habit of saying "my kids." I think about how different my verbiage would have to be if I was a co-teacher. "My" kids would become "our" students. While I love having as much control and independence as I do in my classroom, I can imagine how neat it could be to work alongside someone who had the same goals, experiences, and "day-to-day" stuff as I do. It would definitely take some time to adjust but I think that with open communication and speaking up when I had questions or concerns would be key. I really liked how the "Power of 2" video talked about a "teaching marriage" where the general education teacher was the "content specialist" and the special education teacher was the "strategist." I can understand why co-teachers who adopted that team approach would be very successful!
The idea of a "teaching marriage" makes so much sense in a good co-teaching situation...but you are correct that one of the hardest parts of co-teaching is giving up both your control and independence.
I have had the opportunity to Co-Teach in different settings and for different subjects for the past few years. Each time was unique and each time I walked away learning something new about myslef and having a new skill from that other teacher. I would say because of that experience, I would say some tips are to be open, honest ( about yourself and the other person), willing to accept help, willing to make changes, be organized, follow through, and have a sense of fun. I was fortunate enough to work with people I already enjoy and respect professionally, but we did have some bumps when we had trouble being honest and following through with expectations. We lost some of our fun along the way, because we made it a chore, only because we became lack in our organization. Once we tightened that up, the fun came back and I felt the students got so much more out of that class.
Teresa I think these tips are very helpful! You brought up a good point when you said both people need to be honest. If we can't be honest with our teaching partner it will be difficult to teach together. After getting to know you and working collaboratively with you over the last year, I think you would be an ideal teacher partner.
I have been in successful and unsuccessful co-teaching situations. One thing that is extremely important, but not always in your control, is having two people that are willing to co-teach. The unsuccessful situation I have been in was when the general education teacher was told she would have to co-teach instead of being asked if she would be comfortable. The other teacher at the same grade level had always co-taught in the previous school years, but the principal decided that it was my co-teacher's "turn" to have the special education students. Another important thing to remember is that it takes time, patience, an open mind, and trust to have a successful co-teaching situation. It is not going to happen over night and it might takes years to find a groove with your teaching partner.
Probably not a good idea that you MUST co-teach. There is training and mind set change in order for you to be successful. It's too bad that this teacher didn't have the opportunity to buy into this teaching opportunity.
I have not had an opportunity to co-teach however, I do push my students into the general education classrooms when it is appropriate. I have realized that clarifying is one of the most important technique to employ with the general education teachers. I have found that the general education teachers are apprehensive to have my students in their class. I have to clarify in order to gain understanding about their expectations. I also have to be honest and advocate for my students quite often.
I am going to show my co-teacher the tips that I had come up with. We have a very good rapport with one another, but always looking for ways to make our classroom run smoothly and effectively. We spend a lot of time collaborating on things for our classroom and i think we should spend some time getting to know each other. We talk about our classroom all the time and i think this year we should continue to do, but incorporate and talking about things outside of school. Our relationship is very open and professional, I think by getting to know one another will only make that relationship stronger. I also think that we should invite other general education teachers in our classroom to open their eyes to this teaching model. A lot of the teachers think we have it so easy because there is two of us when really we have our hands full. I think it would also give a good model to general educators on collaboration and working as a team.
In order for my classroom to flow next year communication with the staff will be key. The paraprofessionals in the classroom work more closely with the students than I do and get to know them better. If I am in constant communication with my staff I can find out the things I am doing that are working for the students and what is not. This alows me to change things up and help my students be most successful.
: I think just making sure others are aware of my expectations for my students. Making sure I make myself available to the general education teachers as well. Making it clear to all that what we do is for the benefit of our students and in the long run, will benefit us. I think I will also keep in mind that we all have qualities/skills and should encourage one another to focus on these qualities. I choose these ideas because the basis is respect, and you can’t collaborate effectively without it. These seem to be at the core of collaboration. Annette
I will be working in a co-taught classroom next year and have already met with my co-teacher several times so far this summer. We have already divided up the curriculum and lesson plans to know who will be in charge of what. We have also created several different assessment for the students based on their IEP’s and there past test scores. We have decided to use the One Teach/ One Observe method for the first few weeks of school so we can assess the students and asses each other. We will be taking turns rotating every couple of days. She and I have also came up with our classroom expectations and positive and negative consequences for each expectation.
One concept that I found so important was that there are no "your kids" and "my kids". I know that sometimes we have a tendency to split the class and seperate the children and also the responsibility. I think that it is very important that the teachers feel that all of the students are their responsiblity. The idea that all children need materials to be presented in diverse manners is also another great co-teaching tip. The importance of planning while it seems like a obvious thing I think it is something we sometimes run out of time for. Finally being open and honest with our co-teacher about our strenghs and most importantly our weakness in the classroom. We really need to get to know the personality of the person we are working with. It seems that co-teaching is a work in process through out year.
ReplyDeleteThe idea you presented that there are no "your kids and my kids" should be on every co-teachers desk so that they see it every day and more importantly, practice it everyday.
DeleteNancy-I agree and like that you touched upon the "your kids" and "my kids" mindset. I think this is a big hurdle that has a ripple effect. Not only will it alienate the teacher/co-teachers from one another, but the students may feel pushed aside or not included in 1 group or the other. It seems such a simple concept, yet is often times still practiced. Thanks for bringing up a great point for us to remember.
DeleteNancy, I completely agree with you. That mentality happens in many settings and its unfortunate. It takes a village.
DeleteThe most useful tip that I found was utilizing the varied approaches of one teach/one observe, station teaching, parallel teaching, alternative teaching, teaming, and one teach/one assist. Next year will be my first time co-teaching in the classroom. I will be working with an ELL teacher for a double period class. I think that utilizing those co-teaching approaches will definitely be beneficial for student learning and it will create variety in the classroom. In addition, I also think that it is important to stay consistent with enforcing the classroom rules. You do not want students to think that they can get away with misbehavior with one teacher. Before we even begin class, I will make sure to meet with my co-teacher to agree upon classroom rules and equitable enforcement. Finally, it is essential to utilize each others' strengths. My co-teacher is fluent inn Arabic, so he will be able to communicate with many of my students if they are having difficulty understanding English. In addition, he is trained in ELL, so he will be able to differentiate and apply strategies in the lessons. My background is in mathematics, so I will be able to help him with the scope and sequence and best practices in Algebra. Together, I hope that we can lean a lot and have a successful school year.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that you get lots of helpful tips before you begin next year's co-teaching assignment. I too appreciate the varied approaches to co-teaching!
ReplyDeleteThere are several co-teaching tips that I have learned about. The Power of 2 video opened my eyes up to several different teaching styles. When teaching with another person it is important to find out how they feel about certain styles and methods of teaching. Being able to effectively communicate your needs to one another is very important, as you will be collaborating for the entire year. The one teach one assist approach is a great way for the students to benefit from having another teacher in the room. I feel this approach allows ample opportunity for students to ask questions and assist with any problem that may arise during instruction time. From what I have read about co-teaching is effective in creating a rich environment for developing positive student growth and development.
ReplyDeleteLisa – what a great opportunity you will have this year co-teaching with the ELL teacher. I am sure you will be successful!
I hope you are able to use co-teaching in the near future. Almost every teacher I have known that has entered a co-teaching situation has loved it.
DeleteTypically, all of the strategies and techniques can fall into 1 of 2 categories. Either it is under communication, or it would fall under collaboration. The first rule of thumb is communication. Be open and honest. Provide feedback and be willing to accept feedback as well. Discuss everything no matter how simple it seems. Get to know them on a personal level. Learn their styles, preferences, classroom management styles in order to be effective co workers. The second benefit would be collaboration. Make sure you are planning and executing things together. Ask for input. Set time aside to discuss how you can work together and draw upon each of your unique strengths. I currently have 30 minutes at the end of each day to talk with my other teacher. We make it a point to also conduct weekly team meetings with not just us, but everyone involved with the class. These meetings include PE teachers, social workers, principals and classroom teachers to discuss and facilitate plans and ensure that we are all collaboratively working together for the benefit of the student.
ReplyDeleteI love your list of how to collaborate and communicate with a co-teacher...especially the idea that it should always be for the benefit of the student.
DeleteOne of the most important aspects of co-teaching is having an open and honest relationship with one another. Also, I agree with Nancy that both teachers should consider ALL students to be their students. There should never be a "my student" or "your student". Knowing one another's strengths, interests, and weaknesses can really allow your classroom to run efficiently and be more beneficial to all students. I think it is vital that both teachers set aside multiple times per week to reflect on teaching practices and plan together. In my experiences, too often one person becomes the main teacher and does all of the planning, while the other teacher (usually the special educator) becomes somewhat of another paraprofessional in the classroom. This does not set up the students for success, nor does it seem fair for either teacher.
ReplyDeleteYou are so correct that teachers should consider each child in the room their student. Reflection is also key!
ReplyDeleteI have never co-taught before, but after watching the videos and researching some helpful tips for co-teachers, I learned a lot of new things. I think one of the most important things, aside from communication and collaboration, is to not identify yourself as the special education or general education teacher. Like my classmates have already stated, both teachers need to work with all of the students. The students shouldn’t be able to identify the difference between the general education and special education teachers. In one of the videos, it talked about how a group of high school students viewed the general education teacher as the actual teacher and the special education teacher as the assistant or aide. This is a common issue in co-taught classrooms. The way to avoid this is to use a variety of co-teaching styles where both teachers play an active role with all of the students. It will make it a lot easier on both of the teachers, and it will also benefit the students.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of both teachers taking on different role with the students so that the special education teacher is not viewed as an aide.
DeleteI co-taught for two years and we definitely took turns teaching. I don't know that we ever truly co-taught. I feel bad that that is how my time with that school district was but we didn't have guidance or support. We were both new and did the best that we could. Some tips I learned after watching the video and completing the assignments from the past module were:
ReplyDelete- establishing rapport is very important: you want to make sure you both are on the same page and are always open and honest with each other.
- know your co-teacher's teaching style: that way you can figure out how to best reach your students.
- make sure you both follow the same rules and do not play of each other: you want to make sure both of you are disciplining the students equally and following your classroom rules.
- make sure to take the time to plan: planning is very important and both teachers should be involved in that process.
I hope you have a chance to co-teach again and use some of your newly learned skills.
ReplyDeleteOne of the co-teaching tips that I will utilize in my classroom is sharing joint accountability with my assistant teacher and therapists. As a former assistant teacher, I often was asked for my input or thoughts for lesson plan ideas or behavioral supports. I would then offer my suggestions or ideas and I was congratulated for my efforts but my ideas were never genuinely put to use because of the fact that the classroom teacher would not let go of her control. It was a very frustrating situation and it actually prevented me from enjoying my co-teaching experience fully. Therefore as a new teacher, I plan on embracing and implementing ideas from my professional peers to foster growth in my professional development. Another co-teaching tip to use in my classroom is to know my limitations. I have noticed, as a new teacher, there are moments when I can be too kind or forgiving for matters that should be met with further discipline or remediation. However, I need to learn to understand my "breaking point" and address issues head on with a paraprofessional review or a quiet discussion before or after school (with administrative permission). This provides a respectful work environment. Another co-teaching tip is to refrain from interjecting when another professional is teaching and to keep a notepad to either email or discuss at a later time. This creates a non-judgmental environment and allows me to organize my thoughts prior to a discussion on their instruction.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you are a lead teacher now, Lauren! As frustrating as I am sure that was, it definitely has given you perspective to have wonderful relationships and effective collaboration with your co-workers now.
DeleteWow you seem to have taken so much from the co-teaching lessons and I hope you are able to incorporate them into your classroom. It is important to understand how much control to have versus working collaboratively and listening to others ideas and opinions and incorporating other ideas into your classroom.
ReplyDeleteEven though I do not co-teach, I have a paraprofessional in the classroom. There is a difference between the two as a paraprofessional is more representing additional classroom support, but it gives the atmosphere and presentation at times as co-teaching when there is a good collaboration between the two. With co-teaching however, I firmly believe that If you feel something, be honest and upfront. Open communication is really important to a successful partnership with your co-teacher. I also believe that it is important to understand that the success of your class depends on the strength of your co-teaching relationship. If students do not see that the two of you are in sync and working on the same page, they will pick up on it immediately. I also believe that with co-teaching, you should be willing to be very flexible and understanding because there will be two minds with possibly two different views to approach situations or teach lessons, so flexibility becomes a key. All of these can be practiced not only with co-teaching, but with fellow co-workers. In my transition team, we collaborate and almost work as co-teachers, yet we're in different classrooms. These practices are what we as a team highly reflect on to ensure everyone is effectively teaching all of the participants.
ReplyDeleteYes- be honest and upfront- open communication is key!
DeleteI actually co-teach one class every week with a general educator. I really like the alternative teaching group being used for reasons other that remediation, like pre-teaching and enrichment. I think this would start to break the stigma of the smaller group being the "needy" or "behind" group and then students might be excited to be a part of that group. I also like the idea of no one student "belonging" to any one teacher. I think it is so often that the special educator takes responsibility for the students with IEPs and the general educator takes responsibility for everyone else, however, that should not be the case.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome that you already are a co-teacher. I agree that the SP should be responsibility for students with IEPs and the GE everyone else!
ReplyDeleteSince I only have ever taught a self-contained classroom, I have never had the opportunity to co-teach. The school I work at is made up entirely of self-contained classrooms. An arguable "downside" to this is that many teachers, including myself, get into the habit of saying "my kids." I think about how different my verbiage would have to be if I was a co-teacher. "My" kids would become "our" students. While I love having as much control and independence as I do in my classroom, I can imagine how neat it could be to work alongside someone who had the same goals, experiences, and "day-to-day" stuff as I do. It would definitely take some time to adjust but I think that with open communication and speaking up when I had questions or concerns would be key. I really liked how the "Power of 2" video talked about a "teaching marriage" where the general education teacher was the "content specialist" and the special education teacher was the "strategist." I can understand why co-teachers who adopted that team approach would be very successful!
ReplyDeleteThe idea of a "teaching marriage" makes so much sense in a good co-teaching situation...but you are correct that one of the hardest parts of co-teaching is giving up both your control and independence.
DeleteI have had the opportunity to Co-Teach in different settings and for different subjects for the past few years. Each time was unique and each time I walked away learning something new about myslef and having a new skill from that other teacher. I would say because of that experience, I would say some tips are to be open, honest ( about yourself and the other person), willing to accept help, willing to make changes, be organized, follow through, and have a sense of fun. I was fortunate enough to work with people I already enjoy and respect professionally, but we did have some bumps when we had trouble being honest and following through with expectations. We lost some of our fun along the way, because we made it a chore, only because we became lack in our organization. Once we tightened that up, the fun came back and I felt the students got so much more out of that class.
ReplyDeleteYes-open, honest, willing to accept help, willing to make changes, organized, able to follow through, have a sense of humor- what an excellent list!
DeleteTeresa I think these tips are very helpful! You brought up a good point when you said both people need to be honest. If we can't be honest with our teaching partner it will be difficult to teach together. After getting to know you and working collaboratively with you over the last year, I think you would be an ideal teacher partner.
DeleteYes-open, honest, willing to accept help, willing to make changes, organized, able to follow through, have a sense of humor- what an excellent list!
DeleteI have been in successful and unsuccessful co-teaching situations. One thing that is extremely important, but not always in your control, is having two people that are willing to co-teach. The unsuccessful situation I have been in was when the general education teacher was told she would have to co-teach instead of being asked if she would be comfortable. The other teacher at the same grade level had always co-taught in the previous school years, but the principal decided that it was my co-teacher's "turn" to have the special education students. Another important thing to remember is that it takes time, patience, an open mind, and trust to have a successful co-teaching situation. It is not going to happen over night and it might takes years to find a groove with your teaching partner.
ReplyDeleteProbably not a good idea that you MUST co-teach. There is training and mind set change in order for you to be successful. It's too bad that this teacher didn't have the opportunity to buy into this teaching opportunity.
DeleteI have not had an opportunity to co-teach however, I do push my students into the general education classrooms when it is appropriate. I have realized that clarifying is one of the most important technique to employ with the general education teachers. I have found that the general education teachers are apprehensive to have my students in their class. I have to clarify in order to gain understanding about their expectations. I also have to be honest and advocate for my students quite often.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point- gen ed teachers are often apprehensive about a new situation so clarifying what they can expect can be very helpful.
DeleteI am going to show my co-teacher the tips that I had come up with. We have a very good rapport with one another, but always looking for ways to make our classroom run smoothly and effectively.
ReplyDeleteWe spend a lot of time collaborating on things for our classroom and i think we should spend some time getting to know each other. We talk about our classroom all the time and i think this year we should continue to do, but incorporate and talking about things outside of school. Our relationship is very open and professional, I think by getting to know one another will only make that relationship stronger.
I also think that we should invite other general education teachers in our classroom to open their eyes to this teaching model. A lot of the teachers think we have it so easy because there is two of us when really we have our hands full. I think it would also give a good model to general educators on collaboration and working as a team.
Your idea of inviting gen ed teachers into your classroom is a great one- let me know if you can make it happen.
DeleteIn order for my classroom to flow next year communication with the staff will be key. The paraprofessionals in the classroom work more closely with the students than I do and get to know them better. If I am in constant communication with my staff I can find out the things I am doing that are working for the students and what is not. This alows me to change things up and help my students be most successful.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you see the importance of constant communication with your staff- it will only benefit the children more if you do this!
ReplyDelete: I think just making sure others are aware of my expectations for my students. Making sure I make myself available to the general education teachers as well. Making it clear to all that what we do is for the benefit of our students and in the long run, will benefit us. I think I will also keep in mind that we all have qualities/skills and should encourage one another to focus on these qualities. I choose these ideas because the basis is respect, and you can’t collaborate effectively without it. These seem to be at the core of collaboration.
ReplyDeleteAnnette
You are correct that the basis for much of this is respect- the core of collaboration.
ReplyDeleteI will be working in a co-taught classroom next year and have already met with my co-teacher several times so far this summer. We have already divided up the curriculum and lesson plans to know who will be in charge of what. We have also created several different assessment for the students based on their IEP’s and there past test scores. We have decided to use the One Teach/ One Observe method for the first few weeks of school so we can assess the students and asses each other. We will be taking turns rotating every couple of days. She and I have also came up with our classroom expectations and positive and negative consequences for each expectation.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've come up with a great plan. I hope you have a great year!
Delete