What is the role of the general educator in a co-taught classroom?
There are 4 distinct areas of expertise that are unique to the general educator:
Source: Friend, M. (2014). Co-Teach! Building and Sustaining Effective Classroom Partnerships in Inclusive Schools (2nd ed.). Greensboro, SC: Marilyn Friend.
- Curriculum and Instruction - the general educator can be classified as the content or curriculum expert. They are knowledgeable of what needs to be taught, the order/timing, and the implementation of the Common Core State Standards.
- Classroom Management - General educators are more accustomed to larger class sizes, and are skilled at managing the students' focus, engagement, and various learning needs.
- Knowledge of Typical Students - "General educators have a good sense of whether student learning or social/behavioral functioning is within the parameters they expect" (p. 13). General education teachers are able to distinguish between typical struggles of a general education student and a student who may have special needs.
- Pacing - General educators are the pacing experts that are able to plan their lessons for the allocated time, and they ensure that they have given the students the skills and tools necessary to move on to the next level of education.
Source: Friend, M. (2014). Co-Teach! Building and Sustaining Effective Classroom Partnerships in Inclusive Schools (2nd ed.). Greensboro, SC: Marilyn Friend.
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