Schools providing for children will never EVER go away. The number one thing a school can offer a child is a community. A community with advocates and trusted leaders. As educators we are our students advocates in their journey through learning. Teachers all hear the calling to better our community proactively by supporting our children and future.
Today, I want to share a wonderful article with you regarding co teaching. Co teaching, in a nutshell, is when two teachers, a general education and a special education teacher, team teach one class of students. By working together, the two teachers are giving the best of two worlds (the knowledge of general education and the application of special education) that the school has to offer. I like to say, if parents like their child having one teacher educating them... they will love the support from two!
Although I am very experienced with co teaching various grade levels, teachers never stop learning. I am always looking for the newest, most cutting edge way to operate and in my educational pursuit, I came across a well written article by fellow teacher Elizabeth Stein titled "Four Critical Co Teacher Conversations." http://www.middleweb.com/3905/4-critical-co-teacher-conversations/
In here article, Stein brings to light the fact that co teachers do not have a perfect chemistry right out of the gate but both teachers are professionals and must strive for the best, especially for their students. Stein mentions four main talking points that the teachers must have regarding their planning. These points, however, can sometimes go by the wayside because they are difficult to talk about.
The first conversation must have is regarding resources. The two teachers must know what they have at their disposal and who is responsible to do what. It does not follow a true co teaching model if the one teacher writes the plans, delivers the lessons, assess the student and tracks data all while the special education teacher hangs out in the back of the room. It is not productive to waist such a valuable resource in a second teacher's abilities. Plus it is not fair to the one teacher.
Stein's second conversation is centered around the teachers skills. Both should know each other's resume inside and out. I don't mean memorize a piece of paper but it is beneficial to know what your partner is capable of. Maybe one teacher is not a strong record keeper but is one heck of a public speaker and can bring passion to old English literature. I would like that teacher to give the presentation lessons on Shakespeare!
A third conversation to have is about the teachers being flexible and proactive. In a perfect world, all of their lesson planning should be collaborative and happen together. Although we strive for perfect schedules, it doesn't always happen. Things come up and the unforeseen happens. The teachers need to know what they are going to do for their students ahead of time. If you fail to plan, plan to fail!
Stein's fourth conversation is regarding the classroom environment. Both teachers need to give input on the physical space and classroom arrangement. Both teachers need to be at an understanding of the class rules and support them to the fullest. Also, both teachers need to know the operating procedures of the room and what to do if an emergency should happen. Nothing is worse than an emergency happening and students looking to a teacher for leadership only to realize the co teacher didn't think it was important to find out what to do with a class during a fire drill...
Stein brings many topic to light that NEED to be discussed when co teaching. Check out her articles. They are well worth the time and very informative! http://www.middleweb.com/3905/4-critical-co-teacher-conversations/
From my experience, I would add a fifth conversation must have. Sooner rather than later, have a personal conversation with your co teaching partner about your interest, hobbies and stress relief methods. There will come a day when you have a little too much stress on your plate and need a smile from your new co teaching friend. If they know a little about you, chances are they can say the right things to give you the pick me up you need to get through the day. Or vise versa!
Bottom line is, when co teaching, both teachers need to be on the same page and work together to provide the best for their students.
No comments:
Post a Comment