In Part 1 of this series, we explored how effective co-teaching depends on intentionally selecting and incorporating different co-teaching models. But knowing which model to use is only part of the equation.
The real impact of co-teaching happens behind the scenes through trust, communication, and shared clarity.
That’s where the DLC Co-Teaching Collaboration Template comes in.
Shifting From Shared Space to Shared Practice
Co-teaching is often launched with good intentions and tight schedules, but without time to name expectations, roles, and concerns, even strong partnerships can struggle.
This tool is designed to support co-teaching pairs before challenges arise. It provides a structured, low-stakes way for educators to build a shared foundation so co-taught instruction can actually work in real classrooms.
What the Collaboration Templates Help Teams Do
The template is organized into three practical sections that guide co-teaching partners from reflection to action.
Part 1: Pre-Work — Starting With Honesty
Before planning lessons, co-teachers individually reflect on:
- What excites them about co-teaching
- What makes them nervous
- How they view their responsibility to students with disabilities
- Their preferences for co-planning time and structure
This step normalizes differences and surfaces assumptions, creating space for alignment instead of tension.
Part 2: Collaborative Planning — Getting on the Same Page
Co-teaching pairs then come together to establish shared agreements around:
- When and how often they will meet
- How they will explain co-teaching roles to students
- Expectations for classroom routines, noise levels, and organization
- Communication preferences and pet peeves
These conversations directly support the successful use of co-teaching models by clarifying how partners work together day to day.
Extended Discussion — Growing the Partnership
For teams ready to go deeper, the extended questions prompt reflection on:
- Classroom layout and instructional flow
- Comfort with different co-teaching models and readiness to try new ones
- Behavior support and decision-making norms
This section encourages growth over time, helping partnerships evolve rather than stay static.
Why This Tool Matters Today
Co-teaching partnerships are navigating staffing shortages, limited planning time, and increasing student needs. When collaboration is left to chance, co-teaching can feel inefficient or frustrating.
This template offers a proactive alternative: clear expectations, shared ownership, and intentional collaboration.
When educators feel aligned and supported, they are more likely to sustain co-teaching practices and are more willing to experiment with different instructional models.
Call to Action
Part 1 of this series answers the question: Which co-teaching model fits this moment?
Part 2 helps answer: How do we work together to make co-teaching successful?
Used together, the co-teaching models and collaboration template provide both the instructional framework and the relational foundation needed for inclusive classrooms. If you are beginning a new co-teaching partnership or looking to strengthen an existing one, use the Collaboration Template as a starting point.
Schedule time to complete the pre-work, commit to an honest conversation, and revisit the template as your partnership grows.
At The Diverse Learners Cooperative, we believe that inclusive instruction is strongest when educators are aligned, supported, and empowered to work together.
Strong co-teaching doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built one conversation at a time.