Co-Teaching 4 Must have conversations

So, you’ve just learned that you will be Co-Teaching next year—what’s next? 2025-2026 I will be starting my first official Journey Co-Teaching. I recently finished Teaching In Sync: The Ultimate Playlist for Co-Teaching Success by Erica Terry and Lynéa Laws, Ph.D. Here are four essential conversations to have with your new co-teacher to lay the groundwork for a strong and successful partnership.

Step 1

Talk about your Self!

Finding something that you and your Co-Teacher connect with that is not school is game changing.  I understand that sometimes we hesitate to share personal details with coworkers. However, even a simple conversation about your favorite coffee or the latest show you're binge-watching on Netflix can lay the groundwork for a strong connection. When planning to meet with your Co-Teacher, consider doing it off campus to encourage conversations that are not school related. Below are some questions to help you initiate conversations if you find yourself at a loss!

Talk About Yourself.

1. What made you want to become a teacher?

2. How long have you been at this school?

3. What do you think is most important for me to know about you?

4. Are we comfortable calling each other at home?

5. What is your teaching style and philosophy?

6. How will we combine our teaching styles and philosophies to create an effective co-teaching relationship?

Step 2-

Talk about the students

After meeting with your co-teacher outside of school, arrange another time to discuss the students. Use this opportunity to explore both of your teaching philosophies. Share your thoughts on how you'll support all students in achieving success in your classroom. Consider what unique strengths you each bring to the table and discuss any weaknesses you may have. This conversation serves as a solid foundation for step three, which involves discussing roles and expectations. If you find yourself needing guidance, here are some questions to help you get started:

Talk About the Students.

1. How will we introduce ourselves to our students?

2. What do you want your students to leave knowing?

3. What are your thoughts on classroom management?

4. Share about your experiences working with students with special needs?

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Step Three

Talk About Roles and Responsibilities

This is an opportunity to discuss how to create a safe environment in your classroom.

• Take the time to agree on expectations

• Establish classroom management strategies

• Discuss communication methods with parents

These discussions are important, you need to make sure both teachers are on the same page with expectations and responsibilities, leading to a more organized and effective teaching classroom. If you have had the previous conversations in this blog then you will have set a good foundation for conversations that could be awkward. This practice not only improves your teaching but also increases student achievement. If you need guidance, here are some questions to consider:

Talk About Your Co-Teaching Roles and Responsibilities.

1. How often and where will we meet for co-planning?

2. How will we introduce ourselves to parents?

3. How will we handle correspondence with parents?

4. How will we handle making copies and the creation of other materials?

5. How will we address lessons when one of us is out

   
   

Step 4

Talk About How The Classroom Is Shared

Another important conversation to have is how the classroom will be shared. This can often be a sensitive topic, as many teachers express discomfort with Co-Teaching, feeling like someone is intruding into their space. Therefore, it's important to

tackle this collaboratively. If you need some ideas check these out.

Talk About How The Classroom Is Shared

1. Does each teacher have a designated area in the classroom as a home base?

2. What does this space look like?

3. A desk, a podium, or rolling drawers?

4. Decisions regarding this should be made together.

5. When an issue arises, what is the protocol for addressing it?

6. Are there certain decisions that can be made independently?

   
   

Additionally, consider how to handle classroom decorations and displays, such as anchor charts. Often, one teacher may feel strongly about a particular aspect while the other may not, which is perfectly fine. However, it’s crucial to have these discussions to ensure everyone is aligned. How will you celebrate and reinforce student achievements and manage behavior? This conversation may span several days due to the many topics that need to be covered. Most important I love how the authors talk about the words “our classroom “It begins with consistently using “we” and “our” language. This is our classroom. These are our students. Our classroom rules are… We have established the following procedure for submitting work, grading papers, returning graded assignments, and communicating with parents.”

Talking about the hard stuff

Finally, let’s discuss the topics no one wants to talk about. Have you ever heard remarks like, “I don’t have time to get to know my co-teacher,” or “We have no collaborative planning”? or maybe, Your Co-Teacher starts ever sentence with "in my classroom,” or “I prefer to work alone in my classroom.” These feelings are entirely valid.

The four conversations above don’t necessarily need to occur outside of school hours, nor do they have to be lengthy. But to be successful you need to have them. Click below for a survey to share with your Co-Teacher. Sharing your responses in advance can help you dive straight into the important discussions.

The reality is that, like any relationship, a successful partnership requires effort. I’m not trying to downplay your feelings by suggesting you should do it “for the kids,” I really don't like that response. Investing a bit of extra time at the start can help establish a strong foundation for a flourishing co-teaching environment.