Practically co-teaching: an educational resource

Abstract

With the implementation of Response to Intervention generalist teachers and specialist teachers must evaluate and potentially alter the way in which they work together if they are to continue meet the diverse and ever changing needs of students. Response to Intervention requires the specialist teacher to provide supports not only to students with exceptionalities but all students within the setting of the classroom. Co-teaching is one alternative to explore when attempting to meet the needs of students within the inclusive classroom. Co-teaching requires the generalist and specialist teachers to teach together within the generalist classroom. Utilizing co-teaching practices as a model of support can be challenging; however, when these challenges are proactively addressed, the benefits to the students as well as the educators involved can be significant.