On 5/24/09, Hollywood wrote:
> 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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