SPED 461 Better Together: Co‑Teaching, Teaming & Advocacy

1. Apply communication and co-teaching strategies for inclusive instruction.
2. Demonstrate reflection in ethical decision-making and advocacy.
3. Engage families and community partners as integral support members.
4. Integrate literacy and language supports within collaborative models.
5. Exhibit educator social-emotional competencies that foster trust and collaboration.

• Foundations of Collaboration and Inclusive Practice
  • Principles and benefits of collaboration in inclusive education
  • Roles and responsibilities of general and special educators
  • Models of co-teaching and shared instructional leadership
• Communication and Co-Teaching Strategies
  • Building effective communication and conflict-resolution skills
  • Implementing co-teaching models (e.g., team, parallel, station teaching)
  • Aligning instruction and assessment through collaborative planning
• Ethical Decision-Making and Professional Reflection
  • Applying ethical frameworks to real-world instructional dilemmas
  • Advocating for students’ rights and equitable access
  • Using reflection to enhance professional growth and collaboration
• Family and Community Partnerships
  • Engaging families as valued members of the educational team
  • Collaborating with specialists, paraprofessionals, and community partners
  • Communicating across cultural and linguistic differences
• Integrating Literacy and Language Supports
  • Embedding literacy strategies in content-area instruction
  • Supporting multilingual learners through collaborative approaches
  • Aligning interventions with co-teaching and inclusive models
• Social-Emotional Competence and Team Culture
  • Building trust, empathy, and resilience within teaching teams
  • Applying educator SEL skills to manage stress and promote wellness
  • Sustaining positive, collaborative relationships across school communities