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Co-Teaching Article
This article at edutopia.org discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and provides tips for co-teaching. While I have never experienced co-teaching first hand, I have another teacher in my classroom for two periods a day that helps with my special education students. At the beginning of the year when I was told there would be someone in my room during the day, EVERYDAY, I was a little apprehensive. I have only been teaching for what is now my second year, but I didn't want someone in my classroom "judging" what I was doing in the classroom. However, after only a week I never thought for one second that having Mr. B in my classroom was a burden at all, only a benefit for me. Allowing him the opportunity to get to know all my students and assist everyone was extremely beneficial. He not only assists the students and helps me handle behavior in the classroom, he provides me with a sense of confidence and another perspective on the topics being taught. My first year in this school in Florida would not have been as rewarding if Mr. B wasn't there to share ideas, assist with classroom activities, and provide a friendly helpful personality every day. He is truly more than a "parapro", he is a great teacher, friend, and colleague.
I have had the opportunity to substitute in a multiage building. I was a long term substitute for 5th grade, so I didn't actually have another teacher in the room with me. When I subbed in other classrooms, however, I was also a little apprehensive about leading the class. I felt nervous that I was going to do something wrong and would be judged by the other teacher. I definitely think it is much different being a substitute in a co-teaching class versus having a permanent job, but the advantages of co-teaching significantly outweigh the disadvantages!
ReplyDeleteI was a little apprehensive the first time I had a co-teacher in my room, but I have grown to LOVE it!! We only have co-teachers in social studies and science in my building, and I WISH we had them in all subjects. I think forming a good relationship with your co-teacher is key to a successful environment. The first experience I had was so wonderful that following experiences have been slightly disappointing. However, I think overall, I would definitely always volunteer to have a co-taught room! The idea--when used properly--is excellent!
ReplyDeleteI am glad there have been so many positive experiences with co-teaching classrooms. I would definitely volunteer to be a teacher is a "real" co-taught classroom. I want to experience all the great things that both of you have mentioned!
ReplyDeleteWe have our Special Ed teachers act as co-teachers in my district and I think it is such a wonderful resource to have since mainstreaming has became so popular. As a Social Studies teacher who loves to implement persuasive essays, debates and writing assignments.. I think a team taught class with Language Arts or something else would be beneficial to students as well.
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