What is the role of the special education teacher in a co-teaching model?

The role of the special education teacher in a co-teaching model is to support and collaborate with general education teachers. This collaboration is essential because it allows for the integration of instructional strategies that benefit all students, including those with disabilities. The special education teacher brings expertise in differentiation and individualized instruction, which can enhance the learning experience for students who may require additional support.

In a co-teaching arrangement, both teachers share responsibilities for planning, delivering instruction, and assessing student learning. This teamwork creates an inclusive environment, where students with different learning needs are taught alongside their peers. The special education teacher's collaboration helps in tailoring the curriculum and instructional approaches to meet diverse needs, fostering an inclusive classroom atmosphere where all students can thrive.

The options that suggest independent leadership or focusing solely on students with disabilities do not align with the core principles of co-teaching, which emphasize shared responsibility and collaboration. Similarly, creating separate lesson plans would contradict the integrated approach that characterizes co-teaching models.