I am a special educator and work primarily with multiple disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism. I have been fighting for many years to get my kids into the gen ed classrooms. Our current Assistant Principal has just agreed to let me try it. After getting feedback from some of my classmates @ Walden U, I feel that co-teaching may be one way that I can 'get in the door'. Several years ago I worked with a 3rd grade teacher in a co-teaching situation. We basically took turns teaching specific lessons. This gave both of us the chance to teach in our stronger areas. It was very successful. We also had time to meet & prepare.
I printed out your Co-Teaching Basic Model. How long have you been co-teaching? The model is very basic and straight forward. Do you and the teacher have common planning time or collaboration time? My students will not be allowed to stay for the entire class because of state testing regulations. However, I feel that the exposure to academics and social interaction is something that they really need.
Because of their disabilities, each student will have a one-on-one paraeducator to assist with behavior and activities. When I read your post, I started thinking that if I could contribute a lesson to the class, it may make it easier to work my way into the gen ed world.
Do you have any suggestions?
Hope M.