How to Co-Teach : A Guide for General and Special Educators

What does good co-teaching look like in an inclusive classroom, and how can a general and special educator build a strong, respectful, and productive partnership? Find out in this introductory how-to guide, ideal for helping current and future co-teachers minimize conflict, maximize teamwork, and ensure the best outcomes for all students in Grades K–12.

Perfect for use in professional development and university courses, How to Co-Teach directly addresses the five principles of developing an effective teaching partnership: respecting perspectives, practicing communication, focusing on classroom teaching, building student success, and improving and reflecting on relationships. More comprehensive and practical than other co-teaching guides, this book

• reinforces key points with DVD clips. Learn invaluable lessons from real-life co-teachers and administrators as they reflect on what worked and didn't work in their classrooms. An engaging sample lesson shows effective co-teaching in action, and the DVD Guide gives teachers challenging questions to spark productive discussion.
• addresses both teachers in the partnership. Special and general educators will get insights and guidance tailored to their specific roles, and they'll discover how their strengths can combine to ensure positive student experiences and outcomes.
• tackles the day-to-day challenges every co-teacher faces, from conflict resolution to time management.
• has the practical materials educators need. Co-teaching is easier with the included forms and tools, including a planning checklist, problem-solving worksheet, lesson plan organizer, co-teaching self-assessment, and sample instruction schedules.
• spans K–12, with in-depth, age-appropriate guidelines for co-teaching at different grade levels.

Teachers will also get a helpful Reader's Guide, perfect for either group study or individual use. This chapter-by-chapter guide gives teachers Thought Questions that help them brainstorm ways to put key ideas to work in their own classrooms, plus Practice activities that outline ready-to-use implementation strategies.

Whether educators are just starting their co-teaching adventure or looking for ways to strengthen an existing partnership, they'll use this essential how-to guidebook to reach their ultimate goal: success for all students.

Co-teachers: get practical help with

• resolving conflict
• improving communication
• dividing responsibilities
• planning lessons
• managing time
• implementing accommodations and modifications
• setting up the classroom
• assessing the success of co-teaching
• holding joint conferences with parents
• getting support from administrators
• and more!

Elizabeth A. Potts, Ph.D., earned a bachelor of science degree in liberal studies and a master’s degree in education, with an emphasis on special education, from Longwood College in Virginia. She earned a doctoral degree with an emphasis on mild disabilities from the University of Virginia. Dr. Potts is an assistant professor and a program director for special education programs at the University of Virginia Northern Virginia Center.

Lori A. Howard, Ph.D., earned a master’s degree in educational audiology from the University of Northern Colorado. She began her career in special education working with students who are deaf and have hearing impairments. Subsequently, she earned a doctoral degree from the University of Virginia in educational psychology. Dr. Howard teaches special education courses related to collaboration and instruction, teaming, consultation, and individualized education program development in the special education program at the University of Virginia Northern Virginia Center. She has also taught special education curriculum and methods courses at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.