What is co-teaching and name two common models?

• A. Two teachers collaborate in the general education classroom; models include station teaching and parallel teaching (also one teach/one assist).
• B. A single teacher handles all instruction with a paraprofessional observation.
• C. Special education and general education classrooms operate independently.
• D. One teacher delivers instruction while the other does not participate.

Answer: (A)

Co-teaching means two qualified teachers share planning, instruction, and assessment for a diverse group of students inside the general education classroom. This setup brings combined strengths to meet varied learning needs and supports inclusion.

Two common models are station teaching and parallel teaching. In station teaching, students rotate through different learning stations, with each teacher facilitating a station and together ensuring all content is covered. In parallel teaching, the class is divided into two groups that are taught at the same time by both teachers, each leading a similar lesson tailored to their group. Another widely used approach is one teach/one assist, where one teacher leads while the other circulates to support individual students.

This description aligns with co-teaching because it highlights collaboration between two teachers in the same classroom and names practical ways they can deliver instruction together. The other scenarios describe instruction led by a single teacher or separate classrooms, which don’t reflect two teachers actively delivering instruction in tandem.