Co-teaching is more than just two educators sharing a classroom, it’s all about blending strengths, fostering collaboration and creating a dynamic learning experience for students. When done right, co-teaching can transform education, making lessons more engaging and personalized.
But we as educators need to ensure the best strategies that actually work.
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Will co-teaching solve all education problems? Obviously not. But in the hands of two teachers who are committed, co-teaching enables them to create an excellent, joyful classroom community in which adults can teach and students can learn at their best (Murdock, Finneran, & Theve, 2015)
This approach allows teachers to focus on problem-solving and interactive learning instead of just delivering lessons. Using interactive platforms to track student progress ensures accountability and continuous growth.
There are several models of co-teaching that educators can adopt based on classroom goals and student needs. These include
One Teach, One Observe – One teacher instructs while the other gathers valuable data on student behaviour or understanding. In this model, the observing teacher not only tracks student progress but also provides constructive feedback to their co-teacher, helping refine teaching practices and enhance overall classroom effectiveness.
One Teach, One Assist – One teacher leads the lesson while the other circulates around the classroom, offering real-time support to students who may need additional help, clarification, or redirection. This model ensures that no student is left behind during instruction and is especially helpful when introducing new or challenging content.
Station Teaching – The class is divided into small groups that rotate between stations, each facilitated by a teacher or involving independent tasks. This setup allows educators to focus on specific skills or content in a more personalized setting and makes it easier to differentiate instruction. It also keeps students actively engaged by reducing long periods of passive listening.
Parallel Teaching – The class is split into two groups, with each teacher simultaneously teaching the same content. This model is effective for reducing the student-to-teacher ratio and increasing participation. It’s particularly beneficial when addressing diverse learning levels, as it allows for slight content modifications or differentiated instruction while maintaining consistency in learning goals.
Alternative Teaching – One teacher instructs the majority of the class, while the other works with a smaller group for purposes such as remediation, enrichment, assessment, or behaviour support. This model is useful for targeted instruction and allows educators to meet individual learning needs without disrupting the flow of the main classroom.
Among all these, Team Teaching stands out as the most integrated and collaborative model.
At the heart of our co-teaching approach is team teaching, a model that truly embodies collaboration. When both educators plan, instruct, and assess side-by-side, it creates a seamless and cohesive learning environment. This method not only enhances the learning experience for students but also fosters mutual professional growth and respect among teachers. Team teaching allows for real-time feedback, creative lesson delivery, and a shared commitment to student success.
Co-teaching thrives on connection, communication, and collaboration. When educators work in sync, classrooms transform into spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and challenged. Embracing the power of ‘co’ is not just a teaching strategy it’s a mindset that empowers both teachers and learners to grow together.
Authored by – Isha Khatri
Curriculum lead at American Eduglobal School
