Co-teaching is a lot like a marriage.
It really does take two compatible individuals, hard work, dedication, and respect
to have a successful co-teaching relationship.
I guess you can say that my principal is a great match maker because she has been pairing
up successful co-teaching marriages for about 4 years now!
Anyways, after what is ALMOST a year of being in a healthy and happy co-teaching relationship, I will share some tips and advice for those who might be co-teaching in the future.
TIPS AND ADVICE FOR A HEALTHY CO-TEACHING MARRIAGE
1) Think of Your Co-teacher as Your Equal
It's so important to think of your co-teacher(partner) as your equal. I believe if you truly believe your partner to be of an equal to you, there will come a mutual level of respect for him or her. I believe that my partner (whom I shall refer to as Ms. Phantastic) is not only an equal but someone whom I highly respect and admire. She has taught me so much in my first official year of teaching and continues to inspire me to work harder each day.
2) Be Open (Communicate)
It's also very important to openly discuss things with your co-teacher. Ms. Phantastic and I had the privilage of attending a co-teaching workshop before we embarked on this journey together. Through the workshop, we were able to openly discuss our teaching styles and classroom expectations. What I learned is that you have to be flexible and open to new ideas because in a co-teaching classroom, you are merging two different teaching styles and expectations into one. You are not gonna get everything your way and that's just the nature of sharing a space with someone and trying to merge two different lives together, which leads me into the next tip.
3) Be Flexible
Not everything will go your way. This is just the fact of being in a co-teaching relationship. You are going to want to do the bulletin board this way and he or she will want to do it another. However, you must make comprises. If your co-teacher wants to do the bulletin board a certain way, maybe you can suggest taking turns with the bulletin board or even merge your ideas together.
4) Maintain a Level of Professionalism
Although Ms. Phantastic and I spend a great deal of time together each week (more than anyone else in my life) I always maintain a certain level of professionalism. I just think it makes your co-teaching relationship better when you do. There's a reason why you fight with your family members and close friends. It's because your so comfortable and really don't hold anything back. However, in a co-teaching relationship I think it's beneficial to always keep in mind that although your co-teacher is your friend and partner, he or she is also your colleague so be professional about it.
5) Be There
There will be days when your co-teacher is not feeling well (physically,emotionally, mentally). This is when you have to pull both of your weights together. It's just part of human nature to have good days and bad. When you realize that your co-teacher isn't feeling well, you should take initiative to maybe teach longer, give him or her space. Also let him or her know that you understand what is going on and you are willing to "lead" for the day. I think this is SO important. Just like in a real marriage, if your partner was sick, you would take the initiative to maybe take out the garbage, cook dinner, and put the kids to bed... in a co-teaching marriage it's no different. Compromise, compromise, and compromise!
Although I am NO expert on co-teaching relationships by any means, these are just some of the things that I think have allowed Ms. Phantastic and I to have such a wonderful year together. I am truly SO very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented, caring, and sweet partner. I know we will have many more happy years ahead and that makes me SO excited!
Dedicated to the most wonderful co-teaching partner, Ms. Phantastic :)
