Collaboration and Co-teaching in a High Needs Learning Environment

Abstract

Co-teaching is a dynamic relationship between two teachers sharing the responsibilities of a classroom. In a typical co-taught classroom there are two expertise, a general education teacher and a special education teacher. In this study, I have examined the relationship of my co-taught classroom that is focused in a high needs environment. We are both special education teachers with a variety of skills and experiences. I also included the collaborative relationship we have formed with another teacher in order to instruct a small group of girls with special needs in a health education class. The problems that I have examined within this study revolve around co-teaching and collaboration. I have focused on the process of collaboration, the supportive factors and how our non-typical form of teaching has supported our collaboration. This was done by examining the data collected from reflections, observation notes and interviews of the participants.