Quick answer: The six co-teaching models are one teach one observe, one teach one assist, station teaching, parallel teaching, alternative teaching and team teaching. In co-teaching, a general educator and a special educator share planning, instruction and assessment in the same classroom. The best co-teaching models rotate based on the lesson goal and student needs, and rely on shared planning time, clear roles and data, not on one teacher acting as an assistant.
In this guide
Two teachers, one room, thirty students. Co-teaching can be the best of both worlds or a frustrating arrangement where one adult leads and the other hovers. The difference usually comes from knowing the co-teaching models and choosing deliberately each day.
The 6 Co-Teaching Models at a Glance
| Model | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| One teach, one observe | One leads, the other collects focused data | Behavior data, progress checks | Using it daily without a data plan |
| One teach, one assist | One leads, the other circulates to help | Independent work time | Special educator becoming an aide |
| Station teaching | Groups rotate through stations, each teacher runs one | Review, practice, hands-on tasks | Noise and transitions |
| Parallel teaching | Class split in two; both teach the same content | Discussion, more student talk | Pacing differences |
| Alternative teaching | One teaches the large group, the other a small group | Pre-teaching, reteaching, enrichment | Always pulling the same students |
| Team teaching | Both lead together, like co-presenters | Debates, modeling, think-alouds | Needs strong trust and planning |
Descriptions follow the widely used model set summarized by Understood.
Key point: No single co-teaching model is best. Choose the model that fits the lesson goal and the students who need support that day.
Which Co-Teaching Model for Which Lesson?
A quick decision path
A Sample Co-Teaching Week (Grade 5 Math)
| Day | Model | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Team teaching | Introduce fractions on a number line with two voices modeling |
| Tuesday | Station teaching | Manipulatives, guided practice, independent game |
| Wednesday | One teach, one observe | Collect data on who can place fractions accurately |
| Thursday | Alternative teaching | Reteach small group; enrichment for others |
| Friday | Parallel teaching | Two groups solve and explain word problems |
The 20-Minute Co-Planning Meeting
Weekly co-planning agenda
Roles and Conversations That Prevent Conflict
- Both names on the door, the board and parent letters.
- Both teachers lead instruction at least part of every week.
- Agree on classroom expectations and how to respond to behavior.
- Decide who grades what, and how accommodations are applied.
- Schedule a monthly “how is it going” check-in.
Starter questions for new co-teachers
“What does a good lesson look like to you? What noise level is fine with you? How do you like to give feedback to students? What is one thing that frustrated you in past co-teaching? How should we tell each other when something is not working?”
What Research Says
A 2022 meta-synthesis of qualitative studies found that co-teachers report real challenges, especially planning time and role clarity, but believe co-teaching improves both their own practice and students’ learning (Strogilos et al., 2022). Co-teaching also helps schools provide specialized instruction in the least restrictive environment.
Real-life example
Two 8th-grade teachers used one teach, one assist almost every day. The special educator felt like an aide, and students with IEPs rarely got targeted help. After switching to a weekly plan with alternative teaching twice a week and stations on Fridays, the special educator taught 40 percent of lessons, and quiz scores for students with IEPs rose steadily over the semester.
Teacher’s note: Protect co-planning time. Without it, co-teaching slides back into one teach, one assist.
Co-Teaching Models FAQ
What are the 6 co-teaching models?
One teach one observe, one teach one assist, station, parallel, alternative and team teaching.
Which co-teaching model is most effective?
It depends on the lesson; rotating models based on data is more effective than using one model all the time.
How much planning time do co-teachers need?
At least one protected weekly planning session is commonly recommended.
Is co-teaching the same as inclusion?
Co-teaching is one way to support inclusion; inclusion can also use other supports.
Can a paraprofessional co-teach?
No. Co-teaching involves two certified teachers; paraprofessionals provide support under teacher direction.
In short: Co-teaching models work when both teachers plan together, share the lead and choose models based on data. This article is part of our Teaching Strategies That Work series.
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Related: New to the job? Read collaborating with general education teachers and lesson planning for special education, part of our New Special Education Teacher guide.
Sources
- Understood. 6 Models of Co-Teaching
- Strogilos, King-Sears et al. (2022). A meta-synthesis of co-teaching students with and without disabilities. Educational Research Review
- UFT. Integrated Co-Teaching models
- IRIS Center. High-Leverage Practices
This article is educational and does not replace professional advice.
