The 6 Co-Teaching Models Explained [+ How to Choose]

As more schools focus on inclusive education, co-teaching—also known as collaborative team teaching—is becoming a popular approach in classrooms. However, co-teaching can be new territory for many educators, especially when it comes to understanding the different models, planning together, and figuring out what works best for their students.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to co-teaching. Different teachers and students have different needs, which is why there are multiple models to choose from. We’re breaking down the six main co-teaching models here, so you can explore each one and see which might be the best fit for your classroom.

What is Co-Teaching?

Co-teaching is a powerful model where two educators join forces to support the same group of students. It is often implemented in inclusive classrooms, where a general education teacher and a special education teacher work side by side, sharing responsibilities for planning, instructing, and assessing. Think of co-teaching as a way to bring double the support, creativity, and energy to the classroom.

It’s teamwork designed to benefit everyone involved—including all students, regardless of their diverse needs.

With two educators present, you can provide customized instruction that meets each student’s strengths and challenges. You can vary your teaching styles, use different strategies, and most importantly, offer more one-on-one instruction.

The Six Co-Teaching Models

Let’s take a closer look at the six main co-teaching models, including how each one works, what it looks like in the classroom, and when it might be best utilized. Plus, we’ll cover the benefits and challenges of each model to help you decide which approach works best for you and your students.

1. One Teaching, One Observing

In this setup, one of you takes the lead in delivering a lesson while your partner takes a step back to observe what’s happening with the students. It’s like having an extra pair of eyes in the room, helping you gather valuable insights about your students’ behaviors, participation, and performance.

Your observing partner can catch students who might be zoning out or struggling to keep up. They can note who’s raising their hand and who seems hesitant to participate. This real-time feedback can be incredibly valuable for planning your next steps and adjusting your teaching strategies to meet everyone’s needs.

So, how does this look in practice? Picture your classroom filled with eager learners. You’re at the front of the room, passionately sharing new information, while your co-teacher is positioned nearby, discreetly taking notes and watching for those learning moments. After the lesson, you can chat about what happened and who might need more attention. It’s a collaborative effort that really makes a difference.

This model has some wonderful benefits. First, it gives you immediate feedback about your teaching style and the ways in which it’s received by students. You can spot trends — like if a particular concept is tricky for most students — and adjust your lessons accordingly. Plus, it creates a supportive environment where two educators learn from each other.

Of course, like anything, there are challenges. It can be nerve-wracking at first to have someone watching your teaching style closely. But remember, you’re both on the same team and focused on helping each other and your students succeed.

2. One Teaching, One Assisting

In this setup, one teacher leads the lesson, while the other walks around the room, helping students with questions or challenges.

Picture this: you’re at the front of the class explaining a new topic. Your co-teacher is nearby, ready to support any student who needs it. This means students can get immediate help without interrupting the lesson. They feel more comfortable asking questions or assistance, knowing someone is there just for them.

One of the great things about this model is that it allows you to focus on teaching. You can share lessons confidently, while your partner makes sure everyone is staying on track. It’s especially useful in classrooms where some students might struggle with the material.

However, there can be some challenges. Sometimes, one teacher might feel more like an assistant than a partner. To avoid this, it’s important to talk openly with your co-teacher about your roles. After each lesson, take a few minutes to discuss how things went. Talk about which students needed extra help and what worked well. This type of conversation can strengthen your sense of camaraderie and help you both improve professionally.

If you have a new teacher working with you, this model is perfect for them to watch and learn from you. At the same time, you can benefit from their fresh ideas and energy.

3. Parallel Teaching

In this approach, you and your co-teacher split the class in half, each teaching the same lesson simultaneously to your assigned group.It’s like having two smaller classes, which gives students a smaller audience when asking questions.

You’re both teaching the same material, but with fewer students in each group, everyone feels a bit more relaxed and engaged. This setup works well when a lesson is particularly challenging because students can get more one-on-one support. Smaller groups make it easier for everyone to follow along and feel comfortable participating.

A nice bonus is that both teachers are actively teaching, which means you’re both hands-on and involved. You can each bring your own teaching style, which gives students different ways of understanding the same topic. Plus, with smaller groups, you can really focus on helping those who need it most.

There are a few things to keep in mind. Since you’ll be teaching the same material, it’s important to plan together so that both groups get the same information. Timing is also key. You want to end at about the same time so neither group is left waiting. And since you’re sharing the space, you’ll want to keep noise levels and distractions minimal to help everyone stay focused.

This is perfect when both of you are comfortable with the material and there’s a lot to cover. It’s also a great choice when you have a mix of students with different learning needs.

4. Station Teaching

Station teaching is a simple and fun way to keep students interested and active in learning. With this model, you and your co-teacher set up learning stations around the room, each with its own activity or focus area. Students move from station to station, getting to experience the lesson in new ways at each stop. It’s a bit like giving students a learning tour around the classroom.

Imagine, for example, that you’re teaching math. At one station, students could work with fraction bars to understand parts of a whole. At another, they work on a puzzle that challenges their problem-solving skills. You and your co-teacher each lead a station, giving students direct support, while other stations are set up for independent or peer-led activities. This lets you both interact with smaller groups.

One of the best things about station teaching is that it lets each of you use your strengths. For example, if you love explaining things with visuals, you could stay at the station that needs that skill, while your co-teacher takes the station that’s discussion-based. Plus, since students switch stations, they get a fresh start with each activity, which helps keep them engaged and interested.

However, there are a few things to consider. Since each station has a unique activity, it takes some planning to make sure each one flows well and ties into the main lesson. It’s helpful to set clear expectations so students know what to do, especially if some are independent and may get sidetracked. Noise can also be a factor, so think about how to manage sound levels to keep things running smoothly.

It’s a great way to cover more material in less time, relying on each station to focus on a specific part of the lesson.

5. Alternative Teaching

In this setup, one teacher leads the main lesson for the larger group, while the other teacher works with a smaller group of students who need extra support or a more advanced challenge. This approach is sometimes called “big group/small group” teaching, and it’s a great way to make sure everyone’s learning needs are met.

While one of you teaches the main lesson, the other can provide focused help. Maybe students need to review a skill, get extra practice, or dive deeper into the material. This small-group setup is perfect for giving that extra bit of attention without pulling the whole class off track.

To get the most out of alternative teaching, it’s helpful to plan based on your students’ needs. Take some time to look over student data or recent work to decide which students could benefit from smaller group support. For example, you might pull together a group to go over some foundational skills before you proceed into the day’s lesson. Or, if some students are ready for more advanced work, you can use a smaller group setting to keep them challenged and engaged.

Alternative teaching has some real advantages. For one, students who might otherwise feel lost or bored can get what they need without feeling singled out. It’s also a chance for both teachers to have active roles, which makes the lesson more dynamic and balanced. And with smaller groups, you can offer more one-on-one help, which often leads to better understanding and stronger relationships with students.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind. Since the smaller group is working separately, you’ll want to make sure they don’t miss anything important from the main lesson. Plan accordingly if you’re sharing a space, that way students in both groups can avoid distractions.

This model is perfect when you have a mix of students with different learning needs. It’s a powerful way to give focused help without taking away from the main group’s progress. So if you’re looking for a way to bring that extra level of care and support to your classroom, give alternative teaching a try.

6. Team Teaching

Team teaching is when you and your co-teacher work together to lead a lesson side by side. In this model, both of you are actively teaching at the same time. You can each jump in, add to each other’s points, and bring different ways of explaining things. Think of it like co-presenting at an event — both of you are actively involved and you’re there to support each other throughout the lesson.

With team teaching, you don’t have to plan exactly who says what. Instead, you can flow naturally, with one of you jumping in to explain something in a different way or adding more detail. This way, students get to hear from both of you, each with your own style, which keeps things interesting and fresh. Plus, it helps students see that there’s more than one way to understand something.

One of the best parts of team teaching is that it showcases teamwork in action. Students see you both working together, listening to each other, and building on each other’s ideas — skills that are so valuable for them to learn by example.

But, team teaching requires good communication and trust. It can feel a bit challenging at first to share the stage, but it’s also a chance to learn from each other and grow as teachers. You get to support each other, share feedback, and develop new ideas together.

This model works well when both of you know the lesson well and are excited to bring your own spin to it. It’s especially useful for complex lessons where students benefit from seeing different approaches and strategies.

How to Choose the Right Model for Your Classroom

Choosing the right co-teaching model can make a big difference in how smoothly your classroom runs and how well your students learn. Let’s walk through a few things to consider as you decide on the approach that works best for you and your students.

1. Consider Student Needs

First things first: think about what your students need most. Are there students who need extra support with certain skills? Or maybe some students would benefit from a challenge? The alternative teaching model, for example, allows one teacher to work with a larger group while the other focuses on a smaller group for extra help or enrichment. Keeping student needs in mind will help you choose a model that gives every learner the right level of support.

2. Evaluate Teaching Goals

Look at your teaching goals for the lesson or unit. Are you trying to introduce a new idea that needs hands-on practice? Station Teaching might be a great fit, giving students a chance to rotate through different activities. Or, if you want to teach smaller groups directly, parallel teaching lets you each work with half the class at the same time. Matching the model to your lesson goals helps students stay on track and get the most out of each lesson.

3. Reflect on Classroom Dynamics

Every classroom is filled with different personalities, and choosing a co-teaching model that suits them all can make things easier. For example, if your students work well independently, one teaching, one observing might work well for gathering information on student progress. If they thrive on energy and interaction, team teaching could bring an exciting, engaging feel to the room. Consider what works best with your group’s unique strengths and needs.

4. Assess Teacher Strengths

Both you and your co-teacher bring your own strengths to the classroom. Do you each have a different teaching style that could work well together? Team teaching can be a great way to show students different approaches to the same topic. Or if one of you is especially strong with one-on-one support, one teaching, one assisting could be perfect. Play to each other’s strengths, and you’ll see your students benefit.

5. Factor in Time and Logistics

Practicalities like time and space matter a lot. If you don’t have much time to plan, a simple model like one teaching, one assisting might be best. If you have more planning time, you might try models like station teaching or parallel teaching that take a bit more setup. Think about what’s realistic for both you and your co-teacher.

6. Be Flexible and Adaptable

Above all, stay flexible. The model you choose may work wonderfully on some days and need adjusting on others. Don’t be afraid to switch things up as you learn more about what works for you and your students. Try new things and make changes as you go. The best choice is often one that can adapt to what you and your students need at the time.

Advantages and Challenges of Co-Teaching

Co-teaching can be a wonderful way for teachers to team up, better support students, and learn from each other. With two teachers in the room, students benefit from multiple perspectives and teaching styles. However, like any collaborative effort, co-teaching comes with its own set of challenges. By understanding both the advantages and the obstacles, teachers can make co-teaching a powerful and rewarding experience.

Here’s a look at some of the main advantages and challenges of co-teaching, along with solutions to help make it work:

Advantages of Co-Teaching:

• Increased student support: Having two teachers means more help for students. Questions get answered faster, students can ask for help more easily and teachers can offer extra support to those who need it without slowing down the whole class.
• Teaching that fits student needs: Co-teaching makes it easier to meet each student where they are. While one teacher leads the main lesson, the other can work with students who need extra practice or a little more of a challenge. This way, students get the right level of support.
• Combining strengths: With two teachers, you’re bringing different skills to the classroom. Maybe one of you is great at explaining math, while the other brings a lot of creativity to reading. Together, you can offer a well-rounded learning experience for your students.
• Lower student-teacher ratio: With two teachers, the class feels smaller, and students get more one-on-one time. This makes it easier to connect with each student and help them feel seen and supported.
• Better classroom management: Two teachers mean better control over the classroom. While one teacher is teaching, the other can keep an eye on students, help them stay focused, and offer support as needed.
• Opportunities for professional growth: Co-teaching lets you learn from each other. Watching another teacher, getting feedback, and working together helps you grow as an educator and try new approaches with confidence.

Challenges of Co-Teaching:

• Planning time and coordination: Co-teaching takes extra planning to make sure you’re both on the same page. But finding time to plan together can be tough with busy schedules.
  • Solution: Set aside time each week, even if it’s just a quick check-in. You can also share notes and ideas through email or online tools if face-to-face planning isn’t always possible.
• Uneven roles: One teacher might take on more work at times, creating an imbalance in the partnership. This can make one teacher feel less involved.
  • Solution: Have open discussions about your roles and make an effort to share tasks equally. Switching up roles can also help create a balanced partnership.
• Different teaching styles: Every teacher has their own way of teaching, and sometimes styles don’t easily match with colleagues. This can make lessons feel less smooth and may cause some tension.
  • Solution: Spend time learning about each other’s teaching preferences and find ways to blend them. Working together to mix approaches can create a smoother experience for students.
• Limited resources: Co-teaching sometimes requires extra materials, space, or tech, which aren’t always available. This can make it hard to fully use some co-teaching methods.
  • Solution: Get creative with what’s available and consider borrowing or sharing materials. If resources are limited, focus on simpler co-teaching models that don’t need as much setup.
• Communication issues: Co-teaching relies on clear communication, but misunderstandings can happen, which can affect the flow of the lesson.
  • Solution: Make time for regular check-ins to keep communication strong. Even quick chats before or after lessons can help things run smoothly.
• Handling disagreements: Like any team, co-teachers can have differences in opinion about lessons or classroom management, which can lead to disagreements.
  • Solution: Approach disagreements with a positive, problem-solving attitude. Focus on what’s best for the students and listen to each other’s viewpoints to find a solution together.

Best Practices for Successful Co-Teaching

Co-teaching can be a rewarding experience that brings together the strengths of two teachers, offering students a richer and more supportive classroom environment. To make co-teaching enjoyable, there are a few best practices to remember. Here are some simple, effective ways to keep your co-teaching experience positive and productive:

• Establish clear roles and responsibilities: Starting off with clear roles is one of the best ways to avoid confusion and make both teachers feel valued. Talk through each part of the lesson and decide who will lead, who will assist, and how tasks will be shared. For example, you might decide that one teacher leads the lesson, while the other handles classroom management or provides extra help for specific students. Whatever approach you choose, clarifying roles up front helps everyone know their part and feel involved.
• Maintain open and ongoing communication: Good communication is at the heart of co-teaching. A quick check-in each day or sharing a Google Doc for lesson ideas helps keep both teachers on the same page. By talking regularly, you can make adjustments as needed and keep things running smoothly.
• Plan lessons collaboratively: Planning together helps make sure that both teachers feel part of the lesson and have a chance to contribute their ideas. Try sitting down to plan lessons as a team and work through each part together. For example, one of you might focus on introducing the concept, while the other plans hands-on activities or follow-up questions. This also helps you be more adaptable, so if something doesn’t go as expected, you’re both ready to adjust.
• Leverage each teacher’s strengths: One of the greatest benefits of co-teaching is having two different skill sets in the classroom. Maybe one of you is better at breaking down difficult concepts, while the other shines in classroom management or creating engaging visuals. Use these strengths to your advantage. If one of you feels more confident leading a certain topic, let them take the lead and the other can provide support.
• Use flexible grouping strategies: Co-teaching opens up new ways to work with small groups. Trying flexible grouping, such as organizing students by skill level or mixing them up for peer support, helps students get more personalized attention and learn in varied ways. Rotating groups also keeps things interesting and gives students a chance to learn in different ways.
• Foster mutual respect and trust: Respect and trust are the foundation of a strong teaching team. Show each other respect by actively listening to each other’s ideas, even if they differ from your own. If something isn’t working, share feedback gently and with a focus on finding solutions. Building trust may take time, but it’s worth the effort because a respectful relationship creates a positive atmosphere that students pick up on, too.
• Regularly assess and adjust co-teaching methods: Reflect on what’s working and what needs to be adjusted in order to keep your co-teaching approach fresh and effective. If one method doesn’t feel quite right, try tweaking small things, like who leads the lesson or what the seating arrangements are.
• Ensure consistent classroom management strategies: Students thrive on consistency. Agreeing on expectations and routines means students get a clear, unified message from both teachers. For example, if one teacher uses a specific signal to quiet the class, make sure you use it too. This consistency helps create a stable, supportive classroom environment.
• Set shared goals for student outcomes: Co-teaching works best when you and your partner have shared goals. Talk about what you want your students to achieve, both academically and socially, and create some goals together. Maybe it’s helping students improve their reading skills or building group collaboration. Setting these goals gives both teachers a common focus and helps keep the whole team motivated.
• Provide regular feedback and reflection: Taking time for feedback and reflection helps both teachers grow. After lessons or at the end of the week, share feedback with each other about what went well and where you might improve. It isn’t about pointing out mistakes; it’s about learning together and building on each other’s strengths. Regular reflection keeps your partnership strong and helps each of you feel valued. It’s also a great way to build a sense of shared accomplishment.

Co-teaching is all about teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect. By following these best practices, you and your co-teacher can create a positive, well-organized classroom that supports both teachers and students. Remember, you’re in this together, and a strong partnership creates a better learning environment for everyone.

If you’re interested in building these co-teaching skills, check out USD’s Collaboration and Co-Teaching SPED/General Education course. This course offers practical tools and techniques to build a strong, effective partnership in your classroom and make co-teaching a rewarding experience for you and your students.

Frequently Asked Questions