Co-Teaching
Co-Teaching is a teaching approach where two teachers work together in the same classroom to instruct students. Usually, this involves a general education teacher and a special education teacher partnering to meet all students' needs, including those with learning differences. It's like having two drivers in the same car - one might focus on steering while the other helps navigate, but both are equally responsible for getting to the destination. This method helps schools provide inclusive education, where students with different learning needs can learn together in the same classroom. Other terms for this approach include collaborative teaching, team teaching, or parallel teaching.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented Co-Teaching model in 9th grade English classes, resulting in improved test scores
Partnered through Co-Teaching and Team Teaching to support special education students in mathematics
Led professional development workshops on effective Co-Teaching strategies
Typical job title: "Co-Teachers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Co-Teachers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Teacher Questions
Q: How would you handle disagreements with your co-teacher about teaching methods?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that emphasize professional communication, compromise, and focus on student benefits. Should mention regular planning meetings and willingness to try different approaches.
Q: How do you measure the success of a co-teaching partnership?
Expected Answer: Should discuss student achievement data, classroom observations, parent feedback, and professional growth indicators. Should mention both academic and social-emotional progress of students.
Mid-Level Teacher Questions
Q: What co-teaching models have you used and which works best for you?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe different approaches like parallel teaching, station teaching, and team teaching, with examples of when each is most effective.
Q: How do you ensure both teachers are viewed as equal partners by students?
Expected Answer: Should discuss shared leadership, alternating lead roles, and strategies for presenting a unified teaching team to students.
Entry Level Teacher Questions
Q: What do you think are the main benefits of co-teaching?
Expected Answer: Should mention benefits like individualized attention, diverse teaching styles, and meeting different learning needs. Basic understanding of inclusive education principles.
Q: How would you prepare for co-teaching with another teacher?
Expected Answer: Should discuss importance of planning meetings, sharing lesson plans, defining roles, and establishing communication channels.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic lesson planning and modification
- Classroom management fundamentals
- Communication with co-teacher
- Understanding of different learning styles
Mid (2-5 years)
- Various co-teaching model implementation
- Differentiated instruction strategies
- Behavior management techniques
- Assessment modification skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Leadership in co-teaching programs
- Mentoring new co-teaching pairs
- Curriculum development and modification
- Professional development facilitation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unwillingness to share classroom control
- Poor communication skills
- Lack of flexibility in teaching methods
- No experience with special education principles
- Resistance to collaboration or planning time
Related Terms
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