An Introduction to Co-Teaching

Day 2

Facilitated by Jennifer Gondek &

Krista Martin TST BOCES

Session Objectives Participants will be able to:

• Recognize the 6 models of co-teaching in action and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using each model.

• Share expectations and review roles for each member of the co-teaching team.

•Discuss common issues and “hot topics” of collaborative teaching.

•Convert a single-teacher lesson into a co-taught lesson utilizing one of the 6 models.

•Understand the role of the paraprofessional and discuss how to effectively support paraprofessionals as part of the inclusive team.

•Apply strategies for effective co-planning processes, including digital planning tools and co-planning templates.

Sharing

Hopes

And

Reviewing

Expectations

“The premise of co-teaching rests on the shared expertise that special educator and classroom teacher collaboration brings to the instruction, not merely on having two adults in the classroom.”

“How is what we are doing together

substantively different, and better

for students, than what one of us

would do alone?”

#1: Establish a Regular Time to Plan Collaboratively

#2: Select an Appropriate Environment Without Distractions

#3: Save Rapport Building for Another Time

#4: Have an Agenda and Snacks

#5: Determine Regular Roles and Responsibilities

#6: Divide and Conquer

#7: Keep a List of Individual Student Concerns

#8: Build in Regular Time for Assessment and Feedback

#9: Document your Planning and Save it for Future Reference

#10: Use the WHAT/HOW/WHO Approach

http://www.anymeeting.com •Not cost •Web-conferencing software •Small group or up to 200 guests •Can video record for no cost •Only 1 person must have a subscription, others invited by email

http://www.dropbox.com •Cloud-based document management •Synchronizes •Free space in the cloud •See updates as soon as they are made, and by collaborators •Share files, email, view only •Video, audio, multimedia

http://www.zoho.com •Cloud-based service •Share in creating files, work on projects collaboratively •Import files from computer •Includes a Zoho Wiki feature

http://www.todaysmeet.com •Internet-based conversation work space •Like text messaging or chatting in a chat room •Room creator distributes URL to team members •Can share comments, web links, and web-based resources

TodaysMeet

http://www.vocaroo.com •No-cost voice recording service •Download, email, share an audio file •Like an Internet voicemail service •Student tutorials or homework reminders •No Log-ins or subscriptions

Tool Description Web Address

Goalbook Educators, Parent, and Students can collaborate around personal learning plans

https://goalbookapp.com

Pinger Text and talk for free, anywhere

http://www.pinger.com/content/home.html

Box Social Workflow-allows collaboration on projects

http://www.box.com

VozMe Turns speech to text for free, send or post messages in multiple languages

http://vozme.com/index.php?lang=en

Paraeducator Roles

Instructional

School support

Liaison

Personal support

One-to-one class support

Monzo (2002)

The Role of Connector:

-parents to teachers

-parents to community services

-students to teachers, parents, and peers

-to the curriculum

Chopra et al (2004)

Benefits and Challenges

What are some benefits of having a paraeducator?

What are challenges or potential difficulties of the role?

Recommendations for Collaboration

Clarify Roles/Expectations

Monitor and Providing Feedback

Provide On-the-Job Training for Paras

Maintain Positive Relationships

Build an Instructional Team

Supporting Paraprofessionals: The Collaborative Classroom

Support Plan

Orientation to the Setting

Professional Duties and

Responsibilities

Communication Professional Development

Capizzi & Da Fonte (2012)

Professional Duties and Responsibilities:

TEACHER •Head of program •Assess learner’s

needs •Develop and plan

learning experiences

SHARED •Create and

maintain a positive work environment •Meet professional and ethical work

standards •Be aware of

students’ strengths and needs

•Work and provide support to all

students

PARAEDUCATOR •Assist teachers in organizing learning

experiences •Assist in engaging students in learning

experiences •Assist in providing support to students

as needed

Daily Schedule

Provide their own schedule

Provide the schedule of the supervising teacher

Effective Communication and Collaboration

Train Be patient with those not familiar with terms used Share goals and expectations Positive attitude Set a consistent meeting day and time Acknowledge individual work style Promote teamwork Facilitate professional development Encourage awareness of disabilities Provide and accept constructive feedback

Para Communication Folder

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