"It's Kind of a Utopian": Introducing the 2:1 Model of Co-Teaching

• In Event: 31.047 - Perspectives on Co-Teaching and Student Teaching Settings and Requirements

Abstract

Many issues influence teacher preparation reform including national accountability efforts, professional teaching standards, and local factors. This study examines one college’s efforts to reform clinical preparation through co-teaching. Researchers argue their adaption of the typical one-to-one (1:1) model of co-teaching to a two-to-one (2:1) model, where two teacher candidates work collaboratively with one cooperating teacher, greatly enhances the student teaching experience. This qualitative case study reports on data from the first two years of implementation. Teacher candidates built strong relationships with peers and cooperating teachers and developed skills in collaboration and differentiation. Implications suggest a 2:1 co-teaching model of student teaching allows for fewer placements, which ultimately allows selection of quality cooperating teachers who mentor teacher candidates in powerful ways.

Authors

• Christina M. Tschida, East Carolina University

• Judy Smith, East Carolina University

• Elizabeth A Fogarty, East Carolina University