Why do Some Elementary Classes Have Two Teachers?

In my post about IDEA, we talked about the least restrictive environment (LRE), which is the setting that lets students with IEPs learn alongside their peers as much as possible while still getting the individualized support they need. One way our elementary schools make this happen is through co-teaching, or having two teachers in one classroom.

In these classrooms, a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to plan lessons, support students, and provide individualized help right in the classroom. Many students can receive the services outlined in their IEPs without being pulled out, so they can stay connected to grade-level learning and their classmates.

Depending on the class, co-teaching might look a little different: teachers might split students into small groups, take turns leading lessons, or work side by side to provide extra support during activities.

This team approach benefits everyone: students get more attention, teachers can meet diverse learning needs, and kids with disabilities stay included in the daily life of the classroom.