Critical Conversations in Co-Teaching: A Problem-Solving Approach

In this practitioner’s guide to building a quality collaborative relationship through critical conversations, the authors explain three co-teaching models and how co-teaching fits within school improvement initiatives. Next, they present the critical conversations framework designed to foster dramatic improvements in the way educators communicate with their colleagues. The authors use practical examples and real-life stories to show how co-teaching strategies make a positive difference for students.

Carrie Chapman, PhD, is an assistant professor of education at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she is also the co-teaching coordinator for the College of Education. After serving as a public school educator and coach for twelve years, she earned her doctoral degree from Indiana University in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in special education. She then worked as a faculty member at IU and as a research associate in the Center on Education and Lifelong Learning at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community located at Indiana University. Dr. Chapman s primary area of expertise is in the development of co-teaching, collaboration, and consultation strategies with educators who are focused on improving the teaching-learning process for all students. She has worked side by side with diverse educator groups in public and private schools throughout the Midwest who are committed to helping each student, regardless of his or her circumstances, develop and learn as effectively and efficiently as possible. Although Dr. Chapman has enjoyed a great deal of success as a grant writer, author, and preƒsenter, she is most at home in the local schools working with teachers, student teachers, and students.

Cate Hart Hyatt, MS, has spent more than thirty years as an educator, preschool through graduate school. She currently delivers a variety of effective professional development strategies, trainings, graduate courses, and onsite coaching as a collaborative team member at the Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL), Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University. She shares CELL s mission to work with schools and communities to welcome, include, educate, and support all learners while providing quality professional development to increase organizational and individual capacity in K 12 schools.

In addition, Cate led Indiana s efforts in VETS: Voicing Experiences through Service. VETS was funded with a $1.3 million grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service in partnership with colleagues in Maryland and Vermont to expand service opportunities as part of transition planning for youth with disabilities (ages 14 21) and increase their participation in service, specifically through the gathering of oral histories for the National Veteran s History Project. She is currently contracted by the Indiana Department of Education to provide technical assistance for Learn and Serve Indiana school districts. In addition, she regularly teaches a service learning course for Indiana University students.