Navigating Co-Teaching
Did you know that approximately 20% of students in American classrooms receive special education services? In urban schools, that number can be even higher (Peery, 2017). As inclusive education has become the norm, co-teaching has emerged as one of the most effective models for meeting the needs of all learners in the least restrictive environment.
Although the co-teaching model first began to emerge in the 1970s, the body of research supporting its effectiveness has remained surprisingly limited. In fact, in the last decade, little progress has been made in expanding or updating our understanding of best practices in co-teaching.
When I was completing my Master's in Special Education, I conducted research and wrote my thesis on co-teaching. Reflecting on that work now, I realize how much my thinking has evolved. Year after year, I’ve grown as an educator—gaining insight from new partnerships, student needs, and my experiences in the classroom. What I once viewed as “best practice” has shifted and matured, making me a stronger, more reflective co-teacher.
Why Co-Teaching Matters
When implemented effectively, co-teaching fosters a genuinely inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs. It brings together two educators who can combine their strengths to enhance instruction, boost student engagement, offer emotional support, and improve academic outcomes. But let’s be real—co-teaching isn’t always smooth sailing. It comes with its share of challenges, including miscommunication, unclear roles, and at times, a mismatch in teaching philosophies or personalities. Success doesn’t happen automatically—it takes effort, flexibility, and a strong commitment to collaboration.
Whether you're new to co-teaching or looking to enhance your existing practice, here are some foundational strategies to help you build a strong and successful co-teaching partnership:
1. Expectations + Responsibilities
One of the biggest roadblocks to effective co-teaching is ambiguity around responsibilities. From day one, co-teachers must have open, honest conversations about how the partnership will function.
Who takes the lead on lesson planning?
How will grading be divided?
Who manages specific classroom routines?
Who is in charge of communicating with parents?
Who is in charge of behavior management?
Creating a shared responsibilities chart is a simple yet powerful tool for fostering a strong co-teaching partnership. It helps clarify roles, keeps both teachers on the same page, and is a reliable reference point throughout the year. This kind of clarity is essential—when students sense a disconnect between teachers, they’ll often try to use it to their advantage. A united front, supported by clearly defined responsibilities, sets the tone for a consistent and well-managed classroom.
2. Communication
Strong co-teaching thrives on consistent, honest, and proactive communication. Schedule regular planning time to align lesson pacing, address student needs, and troubleshoot any challenges together. Using shared digital tools like Google Docs or online lesson planners can help keep everything organized and accessible.
At the end of the day, your shared goal is student success. Open communication ensures that all students receive the appropriate support, instruction, and consistency they need to thrive.
3. Leverage Each Other’s Strengths
Every teacher brings something valuable to the classroom. One of you may be an expert in differentiated instruction; the other may shine in classroom management or content knowledge. Instead of trying to do everything equally, lean into each other’s strengths. This not only helps the students but also helps each teacher feel valued and effective.
4. Present a United Front
Students are incredibly perceptive and quick to notice any lack of unity. If they sense a divide, they may try to exploit it—for example, asking one teacher for something after already hearing “no” from the other.
To prevent this:
Always address disagreements privately.
Align on classroom rules, grading policies, and behavior expectations.
Speak to the class with one voice to maintain structure and consistency.
If a student contacts one teacher via email, include your co-teacher in the reply to keep communication transparent and collaborative.
5. Embrace Flexibility + Growth
Co-teaching is not static. Each school year brings new co-teachers, new students, and new challenges. Embrace the evolving nature of your role. Stay open to:
Trying new instructional approaches
Receiving (and offering) feedback
Reflecting on what is and isn’t working
As I’ve discovered through my own journey, the best co-teaching partnerships are those that grow together—adapting, learning, and continually improving for the sake of the students.
6. Don't Skip the Foundations
There’s a lot of buzz about different co-teaching models—station teaching, parallel teaching, alternative teaching, and more. But here’s the truth: none of those models will work without a strong foundation of trust, collaboration, and communication.
Before jumping into a specific model, take the time to build the basics. That’s where the magic of co-teaching really begins.
References:
Iacono, T., Landry, O., Garcia-Melgar, A., Spong, J., Hyett, N., Bagley, K., & McKinstry, C. (2021). A systematized review of co-teaching efficacy in enhancing inclusive education for students with disability. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 27(13), 1454–1468. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2021.1900423
Peery, A. (2017). A brief history of co-teaching. Retrieved on April 3, 2025.
