Teacher and Leader Perceptions of Co-Teaching to Meet the Needs of Multilingual Learners

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: Research on the Preparation of Teachers for New Language Learners

Abstract

This qualitative case study examines teacher and leader perceptions of implementing co-teaching models of instruction for multilingual learners (MLLs) in one elementary school. Paying particular attention to the challenges that teachers and leaders perceived as they grappled with understanding the purpose and implementation of new co-teaching models. Little research has examined both teacher and leader perceptions of implementing co-teaching. Findings revealed that (1) leaders struggled with supporting co-teaching pairs, (2) teachers and leaders had disparate views concerning the role and purpose of co-teaching, and (3) teachers often lacked ‘buy-in’ for the new co-teaching models. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Author

• Felice Atesoglu Russell, Ithaca College