The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Pedagogue
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • P-20 Ed Careers

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Pedagogue
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • P-20 Ed Careers
  • Product Review of Mood Meter

  • Product Review of Montessori Numbers

  • Product Review of MindTools

  • Product Review of MindTap

  • Product Review of MindSnacks SAT Vocab

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn Spanish

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn Portuguese

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn Japanese

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn Italian

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn German

Teachers
Home›Teachers›Common Co-Teaching Challenges

Common Co-Teaching Challenges

By Matthew Lynch
June 11, 2022
410
0
Spread the love

Co-teaching is the joining of educators together in one classroom to share the workload of tutoring students. This includes sharing the responsibilities of the planning process. Co-teaching can often be a life-saver, but many co-educators keep struggling for balance. Lots of challenges arise when sharing your classroom with another teacher. Here are some tips for addressing these challenges.

Common co-teaching challenges

When two educators share one classroom and a set of students, problems may arise. Here are the most common challenges that co-educators face:

Who is responsible for who?

Co-educators are responsible for different students, such as one co-teacher being accountable for all students in the class who have an IEP. But this can lead to some issues when roles get temporarily reversed. It can be challenging for both co-educators to feel they have equal rights for all students. Also, teachers may become attached to the same student or devise different strategies to teach a particular student. When such a clash of interest occurs, co-teaching can be quite demanding.

Whose classroom management style do we use?

Classroom management is the base for content instruction, but each teacher differs in their classroom management style. Some educators are more authoritative, while others are more approachable. When two educators share a classroom, students will be confused about what to expect if two different styles of management and two separate rule systems are being used. This could even spill over into the minds of the children. Kids are smart. Once they figure something is happening, they will probably begin to hide under each teacher’s shadow to perpetrate mischief.

Who gives grades?

This simple question can turn into strife between co-educators. It would seem that the teacher who grades students would be the most in charge. It can be tough deciding how to share this responsibility, especially if both teachers have different ideas on grading students. 

What do we tell the students?

Your students may not understand why they always have two educators in the classroom. Questions may arise on why one of the educators is always seen helping some peculiar students. You and your co-teacher will mutually decide how best to explain this to your students without losing credibility.

When do we fix a time to plan together?

Co-educators must plan together to have cohesive lessons and provide what is best for each learner. But many co-educators find it challenging to set aside time to plan together due to busy schedules. If you want to succeed as co-teachers, you must truly come together, lay out the problems, and make mutual decisions on how to address them. There is no other way.

Address these challenges

The following five practices can curb all of the common co-teaching challenges listed above:

  • Respect each other: This is the most crucial component of a successful co-teaching arrangement. You don’t have to be the best of friends, but you have to get along at work. At least for the sake of your students. Put aside your differences in methods and style. It is important that you and your co-teacher respect each other. Suppose you don’t respect each other as the two authority figures in the classroom. In that case, it is futile to expect respect from the students.
  • Spell out roles and responsibilities: Problems occur when roles and responsibilities aren’t clearly defined. Discuss your functions and duties at the beginning of the school year and make sure both educators agree on splitting responsibilities. This is necessary to prevent confusion subsequently.
  • Be flexible: Teaching, in general, requires flexibility, but it’s even more necessary when co-teaching. Maintain an open mind to the ideas your co-teacher has for the classroom. You may find that the students are more engaged by her way of teaching a particular lesson than how you teach that concept.
  • Communicate: Learn to be expressive of your expectations with each other. How do you think you and your co-teacher can benefit from spending a year in a co-teachers classroom? When do you expect to plan together? What about the daily environment? What do you expect it to look like? Many co-teachers are guilty of often assuming these things without discussing them. If you feel upset about anything, it is important to communicate it. It makes no sense to resent your co-teacher for an entire year because they did something you didn’t like. Discuss these issues with honesty and openness.

Co-teaching is whatever you make of it. You cannot simply say it is a good or bad idea. It all depends on the individuals involved. Suppose you let problems arise and never discuss them with your co-teacher. In that case, neither you nor the students will benefit from the arrangement. To put it mildly, the students will be harder hit by this scenario. But, if there is proper communication with each other, you will be clear about the responsibilities of each person. No matter how difficult the issues are, it is no use for anyone to shy away from them. To chip in with an ideal scenario, if you are the kind of teacher who prefers a hands-on approach, it’s better this way: you will be helping the co-teacher who oversees both the IEP students and their graded work. That way, you get the co-teaching environment you always dreamed of. Or it could be the other way around. Either way, you should decide what’s best for you, your co-teacher, and your students.

Previous Article

Product Review of Educare

Next Article

Getting a Job as a Teacher in ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Teachers

    Nurturing Reflective Relationships in Your Classroom

    May 29, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Product ReviewsTeachers

    Product Review of Talking Points for Parents and Talking Points for Teachers

    May 28, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechTeachers

    8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

    July 30, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEducational LeadershipTeachers

    How Edtech will Change School Culture

    May 23, 2019
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Education LeadershipTeachers

    5 Ways to Improve Your District’s Digital Leadership

    January 7, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Teachers

    3 Easy Steps to Using a Collaboration Technology Approach

    February 18, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch

  • Online Learning & eLearningProduct Reviews

    Product review of NicerTube

  • Artificial Intelligence

    When We Let Machines Evaluate Student Work

  • Best of the Best ListsEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the First Grade

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Product Review of Mood Meter

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • Product Review of Montessori Numbers

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • Product Review of MindTools

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • Product Review of MindTap

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • Product Review of MindSnacks SAT Vocab

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]
  • Why Are Some Educators Still Reluctant to Use Technology in the Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate ...
    on
    June 29, 2022

    Evaluating Technology Integration in Schools

    […] no time to ...
  • Onboarding Salespeople: Getting New Sales Reps Up to Speed Quickly
    on
    June 28, 2022

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    […] provide a full-picture ...
  • The Changing Role of Social Responsibility – Perfect Release
    on
    June 27, 2022

    How to Teach Kids Social Responsibility in a Connected World

    […] Lynch, M. (2018, ...
  • Teaching Early Geometry Concepts – Ask a Tech Teacher
    on
    June 23, 2022

    Teaching Early Geometry Concepts

    […] spend a lot ...

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...
  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of AptaFund

    Spread the loveAptaFund is a business management software that provides essential functions to educational institutions, such as web access to educators, parents, and learners. It allows elementary schools and other educational ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    Spread the loveSales scripts are crucial to any business and can be the main difference in achieving the set targets. A well-written sales script that factors in customers from different ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...
  • Digital Equity

    How OER Can Help Overcome the Higher Education Equity Barrier

    Spread the loveThe cornerstone of the American dream is the ability to succeed in life regardless of one’s family of origin. And, for most people, that requires a college education. ...

EdTech Futures

  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...
  • Adult EducationEdTech & InnovationEdTech FuturesEducation LeadershipEducational LeadershipHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechThe Future of Education

    Education Technology and the Future of Higher Ed Leadership

    Spread the loveEducation Technology (EdTech) has had a more significant impact on education than anyone expected. Now its effects are reaching into the field of higher education. In this article, ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2022 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.