Purpose and Definition
A common form of collaboration in schools is "Co-Teaching", which Friend & Cook (2003) define as "two or more professionals jointly delivering substantive instruction to a diverse, blended group of students in a single, physical space." These sorts of arrangements between professionals facilitate greater levels of inclusion, which can lead to increase performance for all students (inclusion study citation).
Effective co-teaching, however, doesn't simply happen because two teachers are scheduled together. It requires a great deal of planning, compromise, trust, and - most critically - quality training. The Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) has incorporated a range of the most up-to-date research and practices into its four-part framework for co-teaching, which features:
- Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships
- Instructional planning
- Instruction delivery
- Sustainability & Scale-up
We offer a number of routes through which teachers and administrators can receive training and support.
Training and Support Options
On-Site - A two day training located in your district. Participants develop awareness and understanding of the CELL four=part framework, and begin to develop skills in collaboration and planning. Includes time for co-planning with partners, and feedback from trainers. These sessions are arranged by contract.
Consultation and Coaching - For schools and districts that have experienced the two-day training, we offer on-site observation and feedback. Trainers come to participant's co-taught classrooms, observe lessons, and meet with partners to engage in reflective dialogue and planning. These session are arranged by contract.
Online - Coming soon!