C0-teaching English

The idea of co-teaching is that more than one teacher works with the class, and this has a positive effect on students' learning. Typically, when co-teaching takes place, teachers agree on a shared responsibility for a group of students: this applies to the specific content of the course, the tasks with mutual ownership, the combined resources, and so on.

This approach makes it possible to teach the same content to all students and to adhere to the same educational standards.

Among the other benefits of co-teaching:

🔹 the workload and stress for the teachers are reduced;
🔹 you and a colleague can learn a lot from each other;
🔹 you get the opportunity to reflect and analyze what works well and what doesn't, and how it can be improved.

Working in pairs with a colleague is not always easy, and for either party it may even be uncomfortable. What can be done to make co-teaching effective and successful? We have a few suggestions.

📌 Mutual respect is the key to any successful relationship as well as to co-teaching. Meet and find something in common. If you are comfortable together, students will also be more comfortable with the two of you in class.

📌 For a teacher who is constantly improving and learning, flexibility is of great importance. Yes, you may have some handy, proven learning strategies and tricks that work, but what if your coworker has an idea that might be even better for your students? One of the key benefits of co-teaching is having a different perspective on how to teach, what resources to use, etc.

📌 If possible, plan your classes together. This way, you can focus on each other's strengths to teach as effectively as possible.

📌 Use inclusive language (OUR students, OUR classroom). Your colleague is your partner; use the language that demonstrates this. Inform each other about important events or situations that happened during the lesson.

Co-teaching models

One teaches, the other observes. This can be the observation of a silent partner, and the observing teacher can help you with difficult students, for example,  with translating when needed. Using this approach, teachers can decide in advance what information to collect during teaching observations and even agree on a data collection system. After that, they analyze the information together.

One teaches, the other assists. In this model, one teacher conducts classes, and the other helps to discipline students, moves around the classroom, deals with the students who need help, etc. It is important to change these roles from time to time.

One teaches one day, the other teaches the next day. This is a fairly common practice in schools where students have two or more English lessons per week. A native English teacher teaches one lesson (sometimes more focused on pronunciation, grammar, or other skills), and another "local" teacher teaches during another lesson.

Altogether co-teaching has more advantages than disadvantages. So don't be afraid of trying something new!

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