Introduction

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’re probably starting out as a new teacher, welcome. Teaching can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. You’ll quickly find that your role goes beyond just delivering lessons. You help support students’ growth in many ways, both academically and personally, and the impact you have can last far beyond the classroom. In many schools, classrooms now use a co-teaching model, where two teachers work together to support students. This setup can be really beneficial for everyone involved. It allows for more individualized support and gives teachers the chance to collaborate and learn from each other. At the same time, co-teaching works best when there is clear communication, shared planning, and an understanding of each person’s role. Starting your first year especially in a co-teaching environment can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to manage, from lesson planning and classroom routines to building a working relationship with your co-teacher. That’s completely normal, and it gets easier with experience. To help with that process, I’ve put together some tips and resources to support you as you get more comfortable with co-teaching and find what works best for you and your students.