Let’s be honest: co-teaching often sounds great in theory, but in practice? It can feel like chaos. At my school, we’re told we’re co-teaching, but with no planning time, mixed expectations, and mismatched teaching styles, it often turns into one teacher talking while the other nods—or worse, one teacher just surviving.
That’s why I went to the CEC session led by Tammy Barron, Brad Witzel, and Leslie Owens. Their message hit me hard—especially when Brad said:
“If you’re not co-planning, you’re not co-teaching.”
That line stuck with me. Because it’s true. When we skip the planning, students miss out on the powerful inclusive learning experience co-teaching can be. It also makes it harder for gen ed teachers to see special education teachers as the asset we are.
So what do we do when we don’t have systems in place yet? We look for high-impact strategies that work right now—not just theory, but tools we can use tomorrow.
Three High-Yield Co-Teaching Models
This quick-reference infographic breaks down three models that actually work—Station, Parallel, and Alternative Teaching—along with when and how to use them effectively. Not all models are created equal, and these offer maximum flexibility and engagement even without perfect conditions.
New Inclusive Education Teacher Survival Checklist
A no-fluff list to help teachers (especially those new to inclusion) get through the first week of co-teaching with clarity and confidence. Think of it as the “where do I even start?” guide.
Why These Tools Matter
Co-teaching isn’t just about standing in the same room. It’s about shared ownership of instruction and building trust between professionals. But too often, it’s treated like an afterthought—with no training, no shared time, and no scaffolding.
At CEC, I saw how intentional planning and co-owned space led to better student outcomes. I left with the belief that we don’t just need more PD—we need the right kind of support, the kind that recognizes how complex this work really is.
My Takeaway
If you’re co-teaching without a roadmap, you’re not alone. But you also don’t have to figure it out from scratch. These resources are built for teachers like us—doing the best we can with the time we’ve got. Use them. Share them. Let’s build a culture where co-teaching is not just expected, but respected.
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