Instructor’s Guide for Cooperative Teaching
Topic Area: Collaboration
Module: Cooperative Teaching
Case Study: A Slightly Bumpy Road
Summary: Juanita Black and Cynthia Johnson were recently assigned as co-teachers for
an English class and two reading classes. Juanita has twelve years of teaching experience
and four years co-teaching, while Cynthia is a new teacher. The two develop a
collaborative relationship that enables them to successfully meet the needs of their
students.
Characters and Roles:
 Juanita Black, veteran special education teacher
 Cynthia Johnson, English/reading teacher
Tools:





Creating a Schedule
Co-Planning
Curriculum Development
Preparing Students for Co-Teaching
Grading Considerations






Preliminary Questions for Co-Teachers
Problem Solving Worksheet
General Education Form
My Perfect Schedule (Blank Schedule)
Individual Student Summary Sheet
Questions About Grading
Artifacts:
Glossary Terms:
 Co-Teaching
Web Sites:

http://www.powerof2.org
Discussion Points:
 What experiences have you had related to co-teaching?
 What are the advantages and disadvantages of co-teaching?
 Who should decide which teachers are paired in a co-teaching situation?
 What subjects lend themselves to co-teaching?

Should teachers who are co-teaching receive additional compensation?
Explain your reasoning.

Roleplay two teachers discussing topics related to co-teaching – planning
time, grading, etc.
Prepare a presentation for parents to inform them co-teaching will be
implemented in their children’s school.
Brainstorm strategies to improve collaboration among teachers.
Activities:


Reflective Question: Scene 1, Question 3 – What traits would you most want to have in
someone who would be collaborating with you? There are a number of traits I
would want in a teacher with whom I am collaborating. First of all, it would be
important to share the basic belief that all children can learn and the commitment
to helping them achieve to the best of their ability. It would be helpful if both
teachers had similar expectations about the amount of time they would devote to
planning and when it would be scheduled. Open communication would be
critical. If the teachers are respectful and professional, then hopefully a
collaborative relationship would develop and benefit students and teachers alike.
Connections:
 Topic Area: Collaboration; Module: Problem Solving
 Topic Area: Collaboration; Module: Teams