#spedchat Archive
#spedchat is a Twitter hashtag used for (1) daily, continuous research and resource sharing on issues related to and effecting students with disabilities, & (2) a scheduled weekly Twitter chat on Tuesday nights from 9:00-10:00 EST.
Tuesday October 25, 2016
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
JODI! I'm HERE! Darla, Indiana, AT. what up
Hi all Eric HS SPED in US History from NJ. Excited to be working with again tonight !
I'm Jodi from Indiana. SpEd teacher in alternative HS setting & private AT/AAC consultant.
Hi! I'm Kelsey! I am from Wisconsin. I am studying to be an Elementary Special Education Teacher. I graduate in May!
I am excited to welcome as guest co-moderator tonight! Eric has a lot to contribute to our chat on co-teaching!
Bianca Bailey special education teacher for Richmond County Va
Glad you could join us for tonight! Hope you get a lot from the chat! :)
thanks, so glad to be part of
Tonight's will discuss co-teaching strategies and resources. Looking forward to great discussions.
Please ENJOY the rest of your evening and Be SURE to hang around for starting RIGHT NOW!
howdy Bianca, glad you can join in tonite
Hi - spec ed admin from NYC!
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
I'm new to twitter and may be slow to respond at time
Hi everyone! I'm a senior at studying to be a middle level math educator!
welcome to to see you again
Thanks for joining tonight!
Q1: How do you define co-teaching? What does it mean to you?
goes super-fast, but hang in there with us! We'll also archive the chat afterward so you can catch missed tweets. :)
Thanks for joining tonight! Hope you enjoy it!
thanks for being here, hope you can pick up some useful info https://t.co/cGr3RdBdyR
Hi everyone! I'm a senior at studying to be a middle level math educator!
Hi! Tom from Richmond, VA HS Academic Resource
A1 for me as as SPED it's working in tandem with a GEN ED Ts to assist my classified Ss. Team work
A1: To me, co-teaching is where both teachers equally plan, teach, and work w/Ss so you can't tell who is GenEd & who is SpEd.
Great to see you again! Thanks for joining tonight's .
To me, co-teaching means working and collaborating lessons with another teacher. You teach together to bring out different skills.
A1 Two certified teachers, one classroom, one shared vision, one dynamic duo!
exactly, one class a Ss asked me why we had 2 Ts in the room, didn't knew who was who
Love this definition of co-teaching! https://t.co/2dnhdXf2xb
A1 Two certified teachers, one classroom, one shared vision, one dynamic duo!
A1: Co-teaching is two Ts in a class w/ defined roles that are working to help all Ss learn in their own unique ways.
The 1st co-teaching team that I observed was just like that. Both teachers did everything. As it should be!
should be a good ying and yang
A1: it's not "you take the IEP kids, I'll take the rest" I know that much.
My current co-teaching situation isn't that at all and it's what I always experienced in the past. I miss it.
Q2: Are there any specific skills or personality that makes for a good co-teacher?
important to know each others strengths & weaknesses
A2 Patience is one, also a small ego, but fortitude to advocate for your Ss
Howdy! Kevin from Navasota, Texas. Elementary Resource Teacher. Sorry I'm late.
yes when it works well it is a thing of beauty, sorry you don't have it now
A2: Good co-teachers HAVE to check their egos, focus entirely on what is best for Ss, & work well w/others. Enthusiasm is key.
A2: willingness to change the way you do things. Collaborative partnership.
Thanks for joining tonight. Jump right in!
never too late pal, we make accommodations !!
A2: A good co-teacher needs to be adaptable!
A1: Coming straight from ...Collaboration and communication between Ts in same classroom, but can take many forms.
Q2: Openness to try new things & feedback. Belief in all Ss. Asset-based thinking. Flexibility. Kids' needs above adults' needs.
truth, can't be a divided classroom must work for allSs
A2: I believe a good co-teacher is patient, understanding, and open-minded. They must also be willing to participate in the lesson
A2: TRUST! TRUST! TRUST! It's not a competition. Open communication and flexibility.
yes can'r be a passive observer roll your sleeves up & get in the trenches https://t.co/9fgzJpJGPi
A2: I believe a good co-teacher is patient, understanding, and open-minded. They must also be willing to participate in the lesson
YES! So much this!!! https://t.co/f3FmxQpY3u
A2: TRUST! TRUST! TRUST! It's not a competition. Open communication and flexibility.
Q3: What makes a successful co-teaching partnership work?
absolutley, if no trust between ts how can we expect Ss to trust us
A2: Everyone is different and co-teaching has to be equally collaborative, meaning individual strengths are leveraged for success
A2 Ability to adapt. Willingness and wantingness to teach ALL kids. Flexibility and good communication skills!
A3: respect. equal expectations and responsibility. all the kids are both of your kids.
A3: having the ability to be flexible in your teaching styles. Also, having a positive relationship with your co-teacher!
A3: Successful partnerships depend on trust, knowing each's vulnerabilities & weaknesses, & playing off each other's strengths.
Sorry to hear that. A poorly matched co-teaching team can make everyone miserable. Esp. students!
Yes, important for expectations be set for Ss and each other, no hidden agendas https://t.co/DHO2rfeaBi
A3: respect. equal expectations and responsibility. all the kids are both of your kids.
Q4: What makes some general education teachers better prepared for inclusive classrooms?
yes avoidance only makes things worse
A3: Both teachers are willing to play to their strengths and step aside when necessary.
A4 I think for any Ts it's not looking at Ss as them, or those kids, all Ss need our help and accommodations
A4: Gen Ed teachers have to be secure in content knowledge & confident enough to not feel intimidated/judged by another teacher.
A3: As a former collaborative T, open communication, sharing ideas, being invested in the Ss best interests always worked!
A3: I agree w/ everything people are saying but just wanted to add in communication skills. Having an open line of com is critical
Laurie from Maple Ridge BC jumping into
A4: Being a fearless risk-taker.
We also have to accept that not every Ts is comfortable with our population, it's OK to understand that
Thanks for joining tonight. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on co-teaching!
A4: Ts must view all the Ss equally. Every child has strengths and weaknesses, some are just more pronounced compared to others
it's ok to understand it, but I don't have to accept it!
for sure, in any aspect of Teaching, Teacher to Teacher or Teacher to Student ! https://t.co/MWFrBg5Zkh
A3: I agree w/ everything people are saying but just wanted to add in communication skills. Having an open line of com is critical
We need to establish a positive culture that listens to & respects others. We are all different yet we live in a world together.
Q5: In MS/HS do the co-teachers need to be content specific?
agree, it's our responsibility to try to change their perspective, but also go to Admin. if a change is necessary
A4: having flexibility and setting high expectations. Also, having the tools and abilities to adapt, modify, or accommodate.
A4: understanding that best special ed practices are often just good teaching and all students can benefit from said practices.
Co-teaching is a educational environment with 2 teachers providing the instruction. Usually a gen ed teacher and a sped ed Tchr
yes Ts need accommodations as do our ss https://t.co/HQqdart2SV
A4: having flexibility and setting high expectations. Also, having the tools and abilities to adapt, modify, or accommodate.
A5 I'm a History Ts. I choose to work in a SPED pop.but there is no way I could do say math, burns me when Ts are expected to all
A5: I think it is necessary to have subject matter competency. Teachers need to know what they are teaching to their learners!
so true, the things we do for the classified Ss should not be denied to Gen Ed Ss if it will help them, https://t.co/4NMl9rj4QK
A4: understanding that best special ed practices are often just good teaching and all students can benefit from said practices.
A5: It's generally helpful if one of the 2 Ts knows what the heck they are teaching, but I believe a good T can teach anything.
A5: Spec ed should be about strategies, adjustments, skills that can be taught/used across content areas - so it shouldn't matter!
A4: GE T shouldn't be afraid to ask questions while transitioning! Ask about what AT tools r available and how they help students
I can't even spell math let alone teach it.
A5: I think it's helpful. I don't think we can expect co-teachers to take an equal role in class if they can't focus on 1 subject
A5: I do not think they do. But they must be willing to learn it and then teach it.
I HATE math & ended up a math teacher. Turns out I CAN teach it (well) when needed to & sympathize w/S's math hate.
to a point yes, but I believe if i understand the content I can better serve the student https://t.co/taEo8u4dOf
A5: Spec ed should be about strategies, adjustments, skills that can be taught/used across content areas - so it shouldn't matter!
Just put a bunch of random letters together with a number in there somewhere & that's how you spell Algebra. ;)
Q6: Share a co-teaching experience you have had. Good or bad--we can all learn from each
Whether you have an IEP or not, we ALL have strengths and needs. We learn at our own pace. We must build pathways toward success.
whew I Thought we going to Trig !!!! ( they didn't tell me there would be math tonite !)
Truly think that is an adult mindset thing & I think it's ok to admit you might not know, but you'll figure it out.
A6 had a CoT who introduced us together from day 1 everything was Mr. Fieldman & I. Validated role some didn't know I was SPED T.
yes can't be fully co teaching if you do not grasp the curriculum https://t.co/VBhTXBSnhC
A5: I think it's helpful. I don't think we can expect co-teachers to take an equal role in class if they can't focus on 1 subject
See? I already worked "wantingness" into my answers. It's my new favorite word. I will use it SO MUCH. :)
spot on pal, welcome !! https://t.co/3osBUhrDrY
Whether you have an IEP or not, we ALL have strengths and needs. We learn at our own pace. We must build pathways toward success.
A5: I think every teacher should have content knowledge especially special educators!
Ha! I had to teach Trig concepts & never even TOOK Trig! I got a lesson the night b4 & KNEW what Ss would hate!
A6: One bad experience I had YEARS AGO was with a gen. ed teacher who hated co-teaching. She would not share the "stage" w/anyone
A6: Worked with a gen ed T where we had 6 sped Ss and 13 non-Sped. Worked really well with her. We shared all responsibilities.
A5 I don't have content degree. K-12 spec ed. Doesn't mean I'm not capable of coteaching, means I work hard to learn the content
A6: I have been working with a pre-ST co-teacher. It's been great, we bring our learners better learning opportunities.
yup stay 1 chapter ahead of ss !!!
Q7: What do you see as the sped teacher’s role in the co-teaching classroom?
yup that's how it should be !!! https://t.co/2clNED2WER
A6: Worked with a gen ed T where we had 6 sped Ss and 13 non-Sped. Worked really well with her. We shared all responsibilities.
A6: Right now, I'm in a co-teaching situation where I'm barely a glorified teaching assistant. Does not value my skills or time.
we New Yorkers gotta stick together !!
A7: SHARED responsibilities - planning, teaching, grading, creating assignments & assessments, parent calls, etc.
CHAPTER?? Just stay at least one class period ahead... (For real!!) :)
A7: the SpEd teacher has the same responsibilities as a GE teacher. You shouldn't be able to tell which teacher is which.
hey Tom! Coming to on Thursday? It's gonna be a doozy!
yes! My thoughts exactly!
bee there, that is another reason why I like being a content component Ts, validates my role in the classroom
A6 Last year of a gen ed teacher's career before retirement, never co taught. Had 24 kids, 1/3 classified! Not ideal!
I often tell Ss that math isn't my thing & I'll find out how to do it to be sure I help them best.
yea i can see how it can be a bonding thing with Ss
I'll do my best. Sending out reminders?
The frustrating part is that it's a subject I taught for 3 years & am now good at teaching (Algebra).
A7: The roles of both the gened & sped teachers should mirror one another, so from the outside you can't distinguish who is who!
Q8: In what ways can/should co-teaching benefit ALL students?
agree,, tandem shared responsibilities for all ss https://t.co/E7zeoIrbud
A7: the SpEd teacher has the same responsibilities as a GE teacher. You shouldn't be able to tell which teacher is which.
My most spoken phrase: "Let's google this and see how to do it before I try to teach you to do it."
will definitely do my best!
let no good deed go unpunished ! https://t.co/AlLJfPHtVp
The frustrating part is that it's a subject I taught for 3 years & am now good at teaching (Algebra).
A7: GenEd T is the content specialist - SpecEd T is the learning specialist. Should be a diff in roles - both have value, though.
A8: I love the idea that has been communicated in many responses already - you shouldn't be able to tell the gen ed T from sped T
A8: Having 2 Ts allows for differentiation and small group instruction. Ss always learn best when the curriculum meets their needs
A8 What works for diverse learners works for everyone! UDL!!!!!
for sure, seamless teaching https://t.co/KdUCv1nNCK
A8: I love the idea that has been communicated in many responses already - you shouldn't be able to tell the gen ed T from sped T
A8: learners have multiple means of representation, action, and expression (UDL).They are also allowed to see different viewpoints
A8: Co-teaching should use strengths of both Ts to effectively teach every single student every single minute of every single day.
A8: Co-teachers can model how to work collaboratively, be flexible, share roles & responsibilities, and promote positivity.
I love this definition of roles! https://t.co/IApuro2MLS
A7: GenEd T is the content specialist - SpecEd T is the learning specialist. Should be a diff in roles - both have value, though.
yes exactly that is how you can accommodate different learning styles and pace of learning https://t.co/p0vAMqIzdi
A8: Having 2 Ts allows for differentiation and small group instruction. Ss always learn best when the curriculum meets their needs
A8: More targeted instruction and better likelihood their needs are being met.
A8) Two teachers means twice the amount of personalized attention for ALL kids. Essentially it reduces class size by half.
I like that perspective, they should go hand in hand https://t.co/ymbPmzsV2n
A7: GenEd T is the content specialist - SpecEd T is the learning specialist. Should be a diff in roles - both have value, though.
Q9: Share some of your favorite co-teaching resources? Where do you go for PD? Help?
yes more and better attention towards the ss #
A9 Peers always talk to my peers share failures & success
A9: I'm looking forward to gathering resources from these answers... I don't have a bookmark folder of links for co-teaching yet!
when in doubt do what is best for the Ss !!! https://t.co/6lAfFkW1oW
Realized I was in a position to teach Ss and the Tchr. Might have complained a little. Focused on the kids that needed me!
A9: I'm still a student, so my professors and host teachers have been wonderful resources! I would love to learn about more!
& is welcome at this Thurs at 9pm EST
TOPIC: Instructional Routines with
and isn't that what it is all about !! https://t.co/8gnroTNrH5
A8: More targeted instruction and better likelihood their needs are being met.
A9) Frog and Toad because it shows how two very different beings could build something new and powerful when they come together.
I adore Elizabeth Stein! Her tweets and resources and UDL info are so valuable!
I confiscated this book from a high-schooler today. Maybe I should have read it while I had it. :)
A9) good professional text is "fair isn't always equal" not specific to team teaching, but great on equity vs equality.
got it now thanks, !! (following them now ) https://t.co/L9NSfZWEQP
Get your co teaching / middle school resources here! >
yes also one of my mantras ! https://t.co/9pStiflCBP
A9) good professional text is "fair isn't always equal" not specific to team teaching, but great on equity vs equality.
ow a bit of a hike from NJ 1
I've heard they have airports and landing strips in Texas, but it could just be a rumor.
Frog & Toad Are Friends was my very favorite book on tape when I was little! I can still hear the narrator's voice.
like Math I usually don't do off the East Coast very well !!!!!!!
A9 "Different not less" always applies in a co taught room!
I presented at a conf in Houston last year. One of my fav conferences ever & such nice people!
Q10: What is your biggest take-away from tonight? What can you use tomorrow with Ss?
I do appreciate the invite I will approach my admin. https://t.co/K2MkP6rvfw
But well worth the trip. I can show you around our great state!
Access to General Curriculum - Region 4, I think? The speakers each day were fantastic!
A10: My take away? I need to push harder for my district to reinstate co-teaching opportunities. My new mission!
I don't think animation had been invented yet back in my childhood years...
A10: my biggest takeaway was finding other resources for future use! I also enjoyed hearing from others who have more experience!
A10 Either reading Frog and Toad or giving high fives to all the hardworking co-teaching teams in my building!
A10 so glad you enjoyed it tonight https://t.co/pyCVu71XpE
A10: my biggest takeaway was finding other resources for future use! I also enjoyed hearing from others who have more experience!
I would HIGHLY recommend attending if you ever have the opportunity!
A10 sharing with so many great Ts,and I may have to go to Texas !
yes positive interaction with peers makes everyone's da https://t.co/PPq6qhFEVi
A10 Either reading Frog and Toad or giving high fives to all the hardworking co-teaching teams in my building!
Jennifer Ness City, Kansas 5-8 sped going to play catch up. I have been enjoying an evening w co-workers after the KSDE con
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
hi Jenn take your time happy to have you here https://t.co/tbmPMo0F3f
Jennifer Ness City, Kansas 5-8 sped going to play catch up. I have been enjoying an evening w co-workers after the KSDE con
Thanks Keep doing what you do!!!!!
I will storify this and post later tonight so you can catch any missed tweets & check out all the posted links & resources.
Absolutely agree .. https://t.co/Bxtb5a2UOg
A1 Two certified teachers, one classroom, one shared vision, one dynamic duo!
Thank you SO much to for co-moderating tonight on such a great topic! Give him a round of applause!
no thank you for being such a big part of this, and for being so important to your Ss https://t.co/fWDKBxXV06
Thanks for a great discussion!
Thank you Jodi and Eric for co-teaching tonight! Great everyone. Enjoy the rest of the week!
A2) patience, flexible, adaptable
A3) Trust and flexibility
See you Tues, 11/1, at 9:00pm EST for the next . will be back to supervise my use of my new word, "wantingness."
