Real Examples of Successful Collaborative Teaching Partnerships
In today’s inclusive and diverse classrooms, co-teaching has emerged as a powerful instructional approach. When executed well, it creates an environment where students benefit from multiple expert perspectives and differentiated support. But too often, co-teaching is misunderstood as simply “two adults in a room.” The truth is, successful co-teaching relies on intentional planning, mutual respect, and models that fit the needs of both students and educators.
Here’s a closer look at co-teaching models that actually work—plus real-world examples from educators who are making collaboration count.
1. Station Teaching: Dividing and Conquering
How it works: The class is split into small groups that rotate between stations, with each teacher leading one while others may involve independent or peer-led activities.
Real Example:
At Maplewood Middle School in Minneapolis, ELA teacher Ms. Tran and special educator Mr. Lopez co-plan literacy stations every week. One station focuses on guided reading, another on vocabulary games, and a third on writing strategies. “Our students benefit from small-group attention,” says Ms. Tran, “and we can target different skills simultaneously without overwhelming anyone.”
Why it works: It leverages each teacher’s strengths, increases student engagement, and makes differentiation manageable.
2. Team Teaching: Truly Teaching Together
How it works: Both teachers share equal responsibility for planning, delivering, and assessing instruction. They teach side by side, often interjecting, modeling strategies, or taking turns seamlessly.
Real Example:
In a high school chemistry class in Dallas, Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Brice, a science teacher and an ESL specialist, team teach lessons that integrate lab skills with language development. “We model thinking aloud together,” says Mr. Ahmed. “Our students see collaboration in action—and they hear academic vocabulary used in context.”
Why it works: When personalities and expertise mesh well, team teaching offers students a dynamic and fluid learning experience.
3. One Teach, One Support: Providing Targeted Help
How it works: One teacher leads the lesson while the other moves around the classroom offering support, checking for understanding, or managing behavior.
Real Example:
At Emerson Elementary, Ms. Gonzalez presents math lessons while her co-teacher, Mr. Lee, unobtrusively assists students with IEPs and ELL needs. “The beauty of this model is in the responsiveness,” says Mr. Lee. “If a student is confused, I can step in right away without disrupting the class flow.”
Why it works: This model provides just-in-time support and is ideal when one teacher has greater expertise in the content.
4. Alternative Teaching: Reaching Students Who Need More
How it works: One teacher takes a small group for remediation, pre-teaching, or enrichment while the other works with the larger group.
Real Example:
In a 5th-grade inclusive classroom in Portland, Ms. Richardson regularly pulls a group for reteaching fractions using manipulatives, while Mr. Nolan challenges advanced students with multi-step problems. “We’re not slowing anyone down or leaving anyone behind,” Ms. Richardson explains.
Why it works: It ensures students receive instruction tailored to their current level of understanding.
5. Parallel Teaching: Doubling the Impact
How it works: The class is split in half, and both teachers deliver the same content simultaneously to smaller groups.
Real Example:
At Jefferson High, co-teachers in a U.S. history class use parallel teaching to lead Socratic seminars. “With smaller groups, more students speak up,” says co-teacher Ms. Hu. “And we each get to know the students more deeply.”
Why it works: Smaller group sizes increase participation and make classroom management easier, especially in discussion-heavy classes.
Final Thoughts: Co-Teaching is a Craft, Not a Convenience
Successful co-teaching is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It takes time, mutual trust, and shared ownership of every student’s success. The best co-teaching partnerships are rooted in respect for one another’s expertise and a commitment to ongoing collaboration.
Educators who thrive in co-teaching roles don’t just share physical space—they share a mission.
As Mr. Ahmed put it: “When we plan together, reflect together, and celebrate small wins together, the students always win.”
