Author: Travis DeYoung

What is Co-Teaching?
Co-teaching is when a general education teacher and a special education teacher share the responsibilities of planning lessons, delivering instruction, and assessing skills in a heterogeneous classroom.
Co-teaching allows for all students to receive a standards based education in a least restrictive environment.

Things to Remember
All kids can learn.
All kids can make friends.
All kids can be a friend.
All kids can participate.
All kids can be successful.
All kids can have fun.
All kids can contribute.
All kids have strengths.

Nicole Harker
17303 Central Ave.
Oak Forest, IL 60452
Phone: 708-687-5330
E-mail: nharker@arbor145.org
Website: nharker.weebly.com

Co-Teaching in Your Child’s Classroom

A Parent Guide

Arbor Park Middle School

The Benefits of Being in a Co-Taught Classroom
Increased appreciation of differences.
Increased teacher time and attention.
Alternate methods of teaching.
Social skills instruction.
New and lasting friendships.
Increased self-esteem and self-confidence.
Strong sense of a classroom community.
Study skills instruction.
Increased test scores.
Countless other benefits!

What does Co-Teaching Look Like?

One Teach, One Observe	One teacher leads the instruction while the other observes and gathers data to be reviewed after the lesson.
One Teach, One Assist	One teacher leads, while the other provides assistance to students as needed.
Parallel Teaching	Both teachers teach the same content, but to a split class. This allows for differentiation. The teachers switch groups.
Team Teaching	Both teachers share the delivery of the same content at the same time to the whole group.
Station Teaching	Both teachers divide content and students. Students spend time with each teacher and at other stations.
Alternative Teaching	One teacher delivers instruction to the whole class while the other works in small groups for reteaching & preteaching.

Frequently Asked Questions
So, which one is my child’s teacher? Both!
Why is my child in this class if my child is not in special education? Your child was picked to be in this classroom because their teachers felt like he/she would be a good peer model.
What if the pacing is too slow or too fast because of the varying levels? Because there are extra adults in the room, your child will get a custom education. ALL students receive improved instruction!