Introduction to Coteaching
The model that you will be following in learning to teach this semester follows a situated-learning one where you will learn to teach “at the elbows” of another more experienced science teacher while also supporting and receiving support from your peer partner (if applicable). Coteaching is a strong component of this model. You learn to teach as you teach alongside another teacher. Some of you will better understand this concept as “team teaching” where one teacher is designated as the lead teacher in the lesson while the other teacher(s) in the room actively assists. Active assistance means interjecting where appropriate to help guide the lesson, gently correcting any faux pas or anticipated difficulties, managing students and student behavior, answering student questions, and working with groups or individual students. (Read article on the website about coteaching and how it works).
Before you take a central lead in coteaching you will first observe and assist your cooperating teacher as a “peripheral participant” in his/her classroom – two weeks. You will soon take the lead in coteaching your teacher’s lessons (after observing and assisting during the first period) during the second of teaching – with your cooperating teacher (and partner if present) as the active participants in assisting you. You will have the opportunity to take the lead in coteaching at least once every other week (alternating with a partner if present). Remember that coteaching means “modeling” (not strictly mimicking) your teacher as you all teach together. You will need to develop your own style and personality as you begin to teach. Many of your teacher’s lessons will be based in inquiry through use of Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools kits which includes student-centered activities for you to coteach.
The following is the minimum format for weekly coteaching for one half day if you are working with a peer partner:
Ø Monday or Tuesday Meeting: The methods student leading in coteaching meets with the cooperating teacher to discuss lesson plans for Wednesday.
Ø Wednesday First period present: You and your partner observe and assist your cooperating teacher lead the lesson.
Ø Wednesday Second period present: You lead the same lesson with cooperating teacher and partner as coteachers who can interject and assist to help in the teaching.
Ø Wednesday Third period present (if available): Your partner leads the same lesson with cooperating teacher and you as coteachers who can interject and assist to help in the teaching.
Ø During lunch, planning period, or after school: Partners and cooperating teacher debrief together on the lesson, the teaching, & ways to improve the lesson and the teaching. [If a debriefing meeting is impossible on the same day, then it must occur on the next day.]
Ø Switch roles in lead teaching next week.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In order for coteaching to work, you must gather needed materials (texts, handouts, etc.) for study and your teacher’s lesson plans in advance of each week’s lesson – typically the day before you leave each week. You can also find background material on lesson topics in texts shelved at the LRC. You, as the lead methods student, must also personally meet with your teacher 1-2 days before coteaching for any changes or final arrangements to his/her lesson plan. You are REQUIRED to spend a minimum of four hours (as many as three science periods) in your school on each assigned day.
Lab students should be sure to dress and act professionally for each visit to their school. Wear your AU nametag. Also, be sure to check in and out in the main office upon each visit – sign in and sign out. You are guests and ambassadors for our program. Put your best foot forward in representing yourself, our program, and your future profession!
Also, you need to bring a current copy of your TB Test results to file with the school office. This is a requirement for Alabama school teachers, staff, and lab/intern students.
Go for about 1-2 miles north until you see Clark Ave. Turn left on Clark Ave. until the first intersection. Turn right at this intersection and Drake Middle is on your right. Drive up and around the driveway and park in visitor parking.
Auburn Junior High School (Auburn City): 887-1969 2 minute drive
Head east on W Thach Ave toward AL-147/S College St. Turn right at AL-147/S College St. Turn left at Wrights Mill Road. Turn left and park behind the Auburn City pool.