Team Teaching
Team Teaching is an educational approach where two or more teachers work together to plan, conduct, and evaluate learning activities for the same group of students. It's like having multiple coaches for one team, where each teacher brings their unique strengths and expertise to the classroom. This method helps provide students with diverse perspectives and more individual attention. You might also hear it called "co-teaching," "collaborative teaching," or "partner teaching." This approach is becoming increasingly common in modern education, especially in inclusive classrooms where general education teachers work alongside special education specialists.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented Team Teaching strategies in 3rd grade classroom, resulting in 25% improvement in student test scores
Coordinated Team Teaching program between ESL and content area teachers
Led Co-Teaching initiatives across multiple grade levels
Developed Collaborative Teaching curriculum with special education specialist
Typical job title: "Team Teachers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Team Teachers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Teacher Questions
Q: How would you handle a disagreement with your co-teacher about teaching methods?
Expected Answer: A seasoned teacher should discuss professional communication, compromise strategies, focusing on student needs, and the importance of regular planning meetings to prevent conflicts.
Q: Describe how you would implement team teaching in a diverse classroom with multiple learning needs.
Expected Answer: Should explain strategies for differentiation, role division between teachers, assessment methods, and how to ensure all students receive appropriate support and attention.
Mid-Level Teacher Questions
Q: What models of team teaching have you used and which do you prefer?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe different approaches like parallel teaching, station teaching, and alternative teaching, with examples of when each is most effective.
Q: How do you ensure effective communication with your co-teacher?
Expected Answer: Should discuss regular planning meetings, shared documentation methods, clear role division, and strategies for maintaining open communication channels.
Beginning Teacher Questions
Q: What do you think are the main benefits of team teaching?
Expected Answer: Should mention increased individual attention for students, diverse teaching styles, shared expertise, and better classroom management opportunities.
Q: How would you prepare for your first team teaching experience?
Expected Answer: Should discuss willingness to learn from experienced co-teacher, importance of planning together, and understanding different teaching roles.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic lesson planning with co-teacher
- Classroom management basics
- Following established co-teaching models
- Basic differentiated instruction
Mid (2-5 years)
- Multiple co-teaching model implementation
- Effective communication with teaching partners
- Student assessment coordination
- Adaptation of teaching strategies
Senior (5+ years)
- Co-teaching program development
- Mentoring new co-teaching pairs
- Curriculum modification expertise
- Complex student need accommodation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unwillingness to compromise or collaborate
- Poor communication skills
- Lack of flexibility in teaching methods
- No experience with diverse learning needs
- Resistance to sharing classroom control
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
How Collaborative Goal Setting Transforms Team Culture
Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
Stop Training Like It's 1999: The Unconventional Guide to Upskilling Your Team for the Future
