During my practicum I have had the experience of doing some co-planning and co-teaching. I came across some tips and advice, which are as follows:
- Your relationship counts - it is important to have a good relationship with the person you are working closely with. You need to be comfortable enough to be open with each other and bounce ideas. If you cannot get along with the person you are working with it will be obvious.
- Planning and preparation - it is important to plan and prepare ahead of time, you need time to collaborate with each other.
- Share the work - it is about 'we' not 'me'. When co-teaching it is important to share the responsibility for the lesson whether it is good or bad!
- Mix it up - Co-teaching allows for teachers to switch things up from the regular routines. It allows more flexibility when working with the students for example pulling out a small group to work with.