Establishing Effective Co-Teaching Relationships: A Case Study of Collaboration Challenges in Secondary Education
Overview
This case study examines the dynamics of a co-teaching partnership between two high school English teachers, Mary and Helen, and their efforts to support Jim, a 17-year-old athlete with learning delays. The paper analyzes the motivations and challenges of each character, identifies common co-teaching problems, and proposes steps for establishing successful collaborative teaching relationships.
What this case study covers
- Character analysis of Jim, Mary, and Helen including their motivations and backgrounds
- Identification of issues and problems in the case, including the failing student and teacher partnership difficulties
- Discussion of common co-teaching challenges such as lack of communication, resistance to change, and desire for classroom control
- Steps for establishing successful co-teaching relationships including mutual respect, effective communication, and collaborative planning
Preview
CASE STUDY ANSWERS
Student’s Name
Institution’s Name
Professor’s Name
Course Title
Date
- List what you learned about each of the characters in the case. What do you think is motivating the thoughts and actions of each of the characters?
There are three characters in this case including Helen, Jim O’Hara and Mary. Jim is a 17-year athlete who has language learning delays and auditory processing deficits. Following this, he has received special education care with the support of his parents and a special program of education at Crossroads High School (CHS). His biggest motivator that has enabled him to perform well in school is his urge to receive an athletic scholarship for college. Mary who is a 15-year teaching veteran, has been a teacher at CHS for the past five years. She advocates for the success of all her students and knows the value of co-teaching. Mary is motivated by her continuous commitment to finding a way that will keep Jim from failing out of her English class through making accommodations to the instruction which will meet Jim’s learning objectives or needs (Pappamihiel & Lynn, 2016). Helen is a 20-year teaching veteran that has no experience of co-teaching and does not believe or is not sure whether co-teaching might fit her needs. She is motivated by her high standards and the will or hope that all her student graduate successfully through high school.
- What are the issues and problems in the case? Discuss the common problems and issues faced in co-teaching.