A Collaborative Effort between the West Virginia State Department of Education and
The National Center to Improve Policy and Practice in Special Education Professional Development
Co-Teaching
Best Practices Checklist
Helping You Link PD to Best Practice
☐ Yes ☐ No
1) I give positive feedback to the general educators in order to build a
positive relationship.
☐ Yes ☐ No
2) I am willing to compromise, especially in situations where there may not
be a “right answer”.
☐ Yes ☐ No
3) In order to efficiently and effectively collaborate I will set a regularly
scheduled time for communication and show dedication and priority to this.
☐ Yes ☐ No
4) I give immediate assistance and quick responses when general educators
are in need for my support.
☐ Yes ☐ No
5) In order to help general educators I will provide accommodations, adapt
curriculum and modify behavior.
☐ Yes ☐ No
6) I will communicate the IEP to general educators with easy to understand
lists of students and their accommodations and I monitor implementation.
☐ Yes ☐ No
7) I ensure that as a team, we establish parity, using the following strategies:
a) Put both teachers’ names on classroom materials
b) Put both names on door outside classroom
c) Use plural language
d) Share responsibility of handling logistics (attendance, etc.)
e) Establish roles
f) Understand/Respect one another’s teaching styles
g) Both should represent the class at problem solving team meetings
☐ Yes ☐ No
8) I ensure that as a team, we answer the questions of parity:
a) How will we establish parity among ourselves?
b) When/How will we plan?
c) How will roles be determined?
d) How will we handle grading, parent calls, IEP meetings, etc.
e) How will we handle various behaviors?
f) How will we divide up routines/tasks?
g) Where will the co-teacher’s materials/supplies be kept?
☐ Yes ☐ No
9) I use one of the effective models of co-teaching.
☐ Yes ☐ No
10) I have established a common regular schedule time to meet with my coteacher, and worked with them to distribute responsibility equitably.