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(Unit 6) Topic 3: Team Teaching Strategies 

1 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

What is Co-Teaching?

​Topic 3 Page 2

Co-Teaching happens when two educators work together in one classroom to help students learn. When it works, co-teaching benefits all, the students and both co-teachers. When it fails, co-teaching can create an environment of hostility and dysfunction.    

In a healthy co-teaching classroom: 

• BOTH teachers plan
• BOTH teachers instruct
• BOTH teachers assess

Co-teaching requires cooperation between both educators, which can be a tricky task for even veteran teachers. Differences in teaching styles, philosophies, and personalities can often make it frustrating and difficult for teachers to do their jobs. That said, just like any other area of teaching, it takes practice. Rarely do two teachers develop a perfect co-teaching relationship without any bumps in the road. However, if both teachers are willing to accept these differences and face any challenges head-on with a positive attitude, you will see your classroom flourish.     

Co-teaching is NOT: ​   

• One teacher delegating tasks to the other. Both teachers should be thought of as equals and treated accordingly.
• One teacher planning and one teacher teaching. Both teachers should be involved in all of the daily components of teaching.
• One teacher teaching and one teacher sitting. Both educators need to be present and engaged in the learning that is going on around them. You will both be accountable for the education of the children in your care.
• One teacher in charge. Regardless of experience or age, both teachers need to be on the same level. This is especially important for children to see. If they see you and your co-teacher working together, they will respect both of you. If they see that one person has more authority than the other, they may end up listening to only the “lead” teacher.

(Unit 6) Topic 3: Team Teaching Strategies ​ * Navigation Menu