On 5/24/09, magz wrote:
> I have just been hired as the special education teacher in
> a co-teaching classroom. This is the first year of co-
> teaching for both me and the regular education teacher.
> Does anyone have any suggestions on how to create a good co-
> teaching schedule and/or classroom environment?

1. The general ed teacher must understand that you are a
teacher, not an aide or a helper. If the general teacher's
name is on something, then your name should be on it as well.
This must be established from Day One so that the students
understand that both of you are in charge.

2. Communication is essential. As often as possible, discuss
lesson plans, grades, ideas, rules, decor, etc. If you can,
get together right after the school year ends, and again just
before you report back for inservices at the end of the summer
to discuss and plan.

3. In an ideal classroom environment, there should be no
outward difference between the sped teacher and the general
teacher. Both of you should be able to tag-team lessons. If
you are not as knowledgable of the subject material, then
arrange to teach parts of lessons that you are comfortable
with, or do a lot of prep to get up to speed. During class,
you should provide help to any student who needs it, not just
the sped kids. Oftentimes, I have to stop and think who the
sped kids are in a particular period; sometimes, my neediest
kids are the ones *without* IEPs!
Having said that, the advantage to being the inclusion teacher
is that you have the ability to remove a student who is being
disruptive, or one who just needs someone to talk to. When
there is only one teacher in the room, often that person cannot
step out to address a problem without interrupting class. But
you can take care of business while the general teacher
continues the lesson...or vice versa.

4. Your role as the sped teacher is more behind-the-scenes.
It is up to you to know the sped kids and their disabilities,
accommodations, modifications, medical needs, etc. Take these
things into account when discussing lesson plans and grades.
Help your general ed teacher plan tests and exams to consider
any special needs.

5. Be flexible. Things might not always work out. But don't
let any problems or conflicts get too large. If your
co-teacher is being difficult, look first at what you're doing;
is there anything you can do to help improve the situation?
Don't just assume it's the other person's problem. Ask someone
to mediate and help you work things out. Complaining about
this person in the faculty room isn't going to solve anything,
and will likely only make it worse.

6. Be professional. Be on-time for class. If you have to be
out of class because of something like an IEP meeting or you
have to proctor extended-time testing, give the classroom
teacher as much notice as possible.

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