Dr. Kaci Deauquier Sheridan February 2023
For educators, entering a team teaching setup can be quite daunting. Whether you’re engaged in a full team-teaching model or assisting students for part of the class, it’s crucial to have organized, planned discussions with your partner teacher. A lack of clear communication can lead to unclear roles, misaligned expectations, miscommunication, and inadequate support for students. This is where the Team Teaching Checklist (see example at the end of the article) proves to be an essential resource.
Why Use a Checklist?
Teaching is complex, and when two educators share a classroom, collaboration needs to be intentional. A well-structured checklist ensures that both teachers are aligned in their responsibilities, communication strategies, and student support plans. It serves as a roadmap for discussing how instruction will be delivered, roles and responsibilities of each adult in the room, how student needs will be met, and how both teachers will work together efficiently.
Key Areas to Discuss Using the Checklist
Roles & Responsibilities: Clearly define who leads instruction and when, who supports, and how transitions between teachers will work.
Classroom Management: Discuss behavior expectations, behavioral management, redirection, and interventions will be handled consistently between the two of you.
Accommodations & Student Support: Review IEPs and 504 Plans to ensure understanding, compliance, and effective implementation. And who is responsible for developing what materials to ensure fidelity of implementation.
Communication: Determine how teachers will check in with each other and with parents to provide consistent feedback.
Reflection & Adjustments: Establish a process for ongoing collaboration and problem-solving as the year progresses.
The Power of a Planned Conversation
Setting aside time to thoroughly go through this checklist before the school year starts—or whenever a new team structure is established—can help avoid miscommunication and boost confidence among staff members in their roles. This process encourages mutual respect, provides consistency for students, and facilitates a smoother teaching experience together.
For any educator, this structured approach helps avoid common pitfalls such as stepping on each other’s toes or assuming roles that were never clearly assigned. A proactive conversation today can lead to a year of successful collaboration and student growth.
Final Thoughts
Team teaching is an effective strategy when implemented properly, but it requires dedication and careful planning. By utilizing the checklist, you are paving the way for success for both yourself and your students. If you're preparing to start a team-teaching adventure, make sure to schedule that planning discussion right away. Your future self—and your students—will be grateful!
Team Teaching Planning Checklist
This team teaching checklist applies when two staff members are present in the classroom throughout the entire teaching block (i.e. RELA) or class period and are both actively providing instruction and support to students during that time.
1. Instructional Roles & Responsibilities
How will we divide teaching responsibilities? (Lead/Support, Parallel, Station, or Alternative Teaching?)
How will we plan lessons together? (Shared planning time, digital collaboration, alternating weeks, etc.)
How will we handle grading and assessments? (Who enters grades? How do we ensure consistency?)
How will we manage classroom discussions and questioning techniques?
If a student asks one of us a question while the other is teaching/giving instruction, how will we handle it?
If I want to add something to the lesson while you are taking the lead on teaching, how would you like me to interrupt you?
When team teaching, how would you like to hand off instruction to one another?
2. Classroom Layout & Environment
How will we arrange desks/seating to support engagement and collaboration? (Pods, rows, flexible seating, etc.)
How will we structure the room to allow for movement-based learning activities?
Where will we position ourselves during instruction? (Circulating, co-presenting, one at the board, etc.)
How will we set up spaces for small-group work, independent work, and student conferences?
3. Classroom Management & Behavior Expectations
What classroom rules and expectations will we establish?
How will we respond to minor and major behavior challenges? (Verbal redirections, reflection sheets, referrals, etc.)
What role does each of us play in handling behavior escalations?
How will we reinforce positive behaviors and classroom culture?
4. Teaching Strategies & Student Engagement
How will we incorporate movement and hands-on activities into lessons?
How will we integrate technology, visuals, or interactive tools into our teaching?
How will we support students with different learning styles (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, etc.)?
How will we differentiate instruction for students at different academic levels?
5. Student Support & Differentiation
How will we support diverse learning needs, including gifted students and students with disabilities?
How will we implement accommodations for students with 504 Plans? (Extended time, preferential seating, etc.)
How will we modify instruction for students with IEPs? (Alternate assignments, small-group instruction, etc.)
6. Special Education & Legal Responsibilities
Who will communicate with case managers and other staff regarding students with 504s and IEPs?
What are the deadlines for progress reports and IEP goal updates?
How will we document accommodations and modifications to provide evidence of implementation?
Who will attend IEP/504 meetings and provide input? If one of us is attending and the other is not, how will we ensure that both of our input is included?
7. Parent Communication & Conferences
How will we communicate with parents? (Joint emails, individual responses, newsletters, etc.)
How will we introduce ourselves to parents? Joint newsletter/email?
How will we handle parent-teacher conferences? (Attend together or divide students based on specific needs?)
How will we communicate concerns about academic progress or behavior?
Who will be responsible for responding to emails from parents/students?
8. Logistics & Daily Routines
How will we handle transitions between lessons or activities?
Who will be responsible for specific classroom duties (attendance, materials, technology, etc.)?
How will we manage substitute plans and coverage if one of us is absent?
9. Reflection & Collaboration
How often will we check in with each other to assess and adjust our teaching strategies?
What is our plan for resolving disagreements or miscommunications?
How will we celebrate successes and recognize each other’s contributions?
This checklist serves as a structured framework for team teachers to collaborate effectively and create a positive learning environment.
Use it as a guide to ensure clarity, consistency, and student success!
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