How do strategies and opportunities implemented in a co-taught classroom impact the learning environment in a 10th grade Geometry class?

Seminar Title

How do strategies and opportunities implemented in a co-taught classroom impact the learning environment in a 10th grade Geometry class?

Environment

10th Grade

High School

Mathematics

All Disciplines

Have you ever wanted a co-teacher in your classroom? Two brains are better than one. This session explores my journey in getting a co-teacher and strategies that I implemented to maximize having two adults in the classroom to make a more an inclusive, engaging, positive classroom environment.

My research was sparked after I was assigned a co-teacher in my classroom and I went into the year skeptical but ended it shocked at how the classroom environment changed and excited that I was going to have my co-teacher again next year. But what was it that made our co-taught classroom so successful? Was it just that group of kids? Was it a fluke thing that might never happen again? In my research, some common areas of focus for a successful co-teaching environment included true autonomy, completely shared responsibilities, and a common prep or time to meet to plan, assess and reflect just to name a few. Following this, when a successful co-teaching environment is sowed, the positive aspects that grow include increased engagement for students, more opportunities for positive relationships with students, and student achievement. Through my research I have learned about different co-teaching strategies and implemented them into my classroom over the last few months. Through these strategies implemented, I saw how my students developed better relationships with both of their teachers and saw student achievement increase. Though there are challenges that come with having a co-teacher - the time it takes, creating autonomy, and relinquishing control - the benefits outweigh the challenges. As a result of this research, I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged by my co-teacher and by my students in the very best way to make the best classroom environment possible. After all, everything we do, as teachers, is to make our students the best people, learners, and citizens.