Designing with Dragons: We're Back From the Co-Teaching Cave! "R" = Relationships

 We're back from the co-teaching cave! Ok, perhaps we never left, but I am excited to be discussing all things co-teaching this week with my co-teacher Paul. Our presentation is cleaned up, adjusted and ready for action! This is why I am posting early this week. Information on the presentation to follow!

To get us in the mindset of co-teaching, I want to first challenge you to think outside the box on what co-teaching is, and/or what it consists of. Many of you might say "this does not pertain to me because I am alone in the classroom." This may be so however, at some point in your teaching career you'll probably have a co-teacher in some capacity, and consider this idea; does a co-teacher have to be in the classroom with you all day? The answer here is clearly no! Most co-teaching situations are set up based on the schedule that one teacher will not be in the classroom all day. In our presentation we discuss this, and all of our points reflect on the relationship between two teachers despite time constraints. 

Also, I'm personally excited to be sharing ideas, content, and projects with other members on my first grade team this year. I consider them co-teachers, and when they expressed interest in using the content we are creating for literacy in their classroom, my lightbulb went off. Co-teaching can indeed go beyond the walls of one classroom. Oh, and don't forget your related arts teachers; don't we "co-teach" all the time then? 

The first step that we feel is the most important is building the relationship both personally and professionally. Without a doubt that does not happen overnight however, you can start this right away. Paul and I immediately realized we would be geeking out on literacy forever, even if we are not in the same classroom one day. We also got to know each other's interests. From Disney to Star Wars, running to working out at the gym, we were not afraid to be open with each other and vulnerable. It's an important first step to establishing trust, which is a great example for students to see so they know and understand that both teachers are respected in the classroom, but also they have a positive model for friendship and collaboration right in front of them daily. 

In our D.R.A.G.O.N acronym we discuss the "R" for relationships and plenty more. My goal is to write about each acronym over the next few blogs to share some points with you, and hopefully help reframe your thinking about co-teaching to get excited for the journey ahead. 

Final Thoughts: Keep an open mind about co-teaching, Keep learning more about your co-teacher and build the trust. Keep the "R" for relationship at the heart of your co-teaching, and the rest will follow. Finally, keep up the positive spirit that co-teaching can be successful for you; although it takes time, when it works well, students benefit and so will you and your co-teacher!