11 Things Rocking Co-Teachers Do - Brookes Blog

This post is part of our Fair Is Not Always Equal…Now What? blog series. Stay tuned for many more posts!

Happy Thursday, everyone! Today I’m bringing you a list of critical success factors for all co-teachers, excerpted and adapted from Julie Causton’s book, The Educator’s Handbook for Inclusive School Practices. If you’re currently in a co-teaching partnership or preparing to partner up in the future, keep this list on hand as a fun reminder of the essentials of effective team teaching. (And at the end of the post, there’s a great infographic ready to share with your fellow teachers.)

11 things rocking co-teachers do

A list by Julie Causton

  1. Say it proud. They make sure both names are on the door and classroom website.
  2. Communicate collectively. They refer to the classroom as both of theirs and talk about their shared space and joint teaching duties with students, families, and colleagues.
  3. Switch it up. They rotate co-teaching arrangements, and often.
  4. Get the message out. Let the office know that any announcements should be addressed to both of the teachers.
  5. Schedule conferences for times that both can be available.
  6. Take turns leading the class to the next activity with transitions.
  7. Share any teacher space, including the classroom, desks, or tables.
  8. Check the language they use unknowingly.
  9. Do the behind-the-scenes work together. Everyone does all the tasks.
  10. Rotate and share in assessments and student conferences.
  11. Collaborate to the fullest extent.

Like this list? Here it is in infographic form. (If you like it, please share on your favorite social media site to help spread the word!)

What are some other features of an effective co-teaching partnership? Did we miss something important? Add your suggestion in the comments below!

Co-Teacher’s Oath (free printable oath to sign together)

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