Online ISSN: 2325-7466
2006
Triannual
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
United States

Articles

Current challenges and practices in co-teaching in K-12 school

DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.589
Abstract
The inclusive classroom has become an increasingly popular classroom model but is not consistently implemented in schools. This paper seeks to find which collaborative teaching practices are commonly used in K-12 schools today, how teachers perceive the effectiveness of co-teaching methods, how teachers are prepared for co-teaching and their perception of the effectiveness of their training, the current challenges of co-teaching, and how those challenges are resolved. To achieve this, a survey was conducted amongst 54 anonymous and voluntary participants to compare the perceptions and experiences of those currently co-teaching with varying years of teaching and co-teaching experience. The results show that most teachers enjoy co-teaching and collaborating with their co-teaching partners, but the most common challenge of co-teaching is finding time to meet and plan. Similarly, most are not adequately prepared for pre-service or in-service teaching training, leading many to use ineffective co-teaching practices.
Keywords
Co-teaching, inclusive classrooms, teacher preparation
References

Allen, L., & Barnett, L. (2020). Leveling the Playing Field: Increasing General Educator's Special Education Knowledge. SRATE Journal, 29.

Alsarawi, A. (2019). A process, framework, and set of tools for facilitating co-planning among co-teachers. International Journal of Whole Schooling, 15(2), 1–23.

Battaglia, E., & Brooks, K. (2019). Strategies for co-teaching and teacher collaborations. Science Scope, 43(2), 80–83. https://doi.org/10.1177/15554589211021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08872376.2019.12291274

Blanton, L. P., Pugach, M. C., & Boveda, M. (2018). Interrogating the intersections between general and special education in the history of teacher education reform. Journal of Teacher Education, 69(4), 354–366. https//doi.org/10.1177/0022487118778539 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487118778539

Brawand, A., & King‐Sears, M. E. (2017). Maximizing pedagogy for secondary co‐teachers. Support for learning, 32(3), 216-230. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9604.12166

Brown, C. M., & Viator, M. G. (2019). Investigating teacher candidates’ perceptions of collaboration during a co-teaching experience. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 6(1), 312-325. https://doi.org/ 10.14738/assrj.61.5914 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.61.5914

Buli-Holmberg, J., & Jeyaprathaban, S. (2016). Effective practice in inclusive and special needs education. International Journal of Special Education, 31, 119-134.

Chitiyo, J., & Brinda, W. (2018). Teacher preparedness in the use of co-teaching in inclusive classrooms. Support for Learning, 33(1), 38-51. doi:10.1111/1467-9604.12190 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9604.12190

Drewes, A., Scantlebury, K., & Soslau, E. (2022). Evaluating coteaching as a model for pre-service teacher preparation: developing an instrument utilizing mixed methods. Research & Practice in Assessment, 17(1), 29–46.

Goddard, Y., & Kim, M. (2018). Examining connections between teacher perceptions of collaboration, differentiated instruction, and teacher efficacy. Teachers College Record, 120(1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/016146811812000102 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/016146811812000102

Gokbulut, O. D., Akcamete, G., & Guneyli, A. (2020). Impact of co-teaching approach in inclusive education settings on the development of reading skills. International Journal of Education and Practice, 8(1), 1–17. 10.18488/journal.61.2020.81.1.17 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.61.2020.81.1.17

Grady, M., Cayton, C., Preston, R. V., & Sinicrope, R. (2019). Co-planning strategies for mentor teachers and interns. Theory & Practice in Rural Education, 9(2), 79–91. https://doi.org/10.3776/tpre.2019.v9n2p79-91. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3776/tpre.2019.v9n2p79-91

Guise, M., Habib, M., Robbins, A., Hegg, S., Hoellwarth, C., & Stauch, N. (2016). Preconditions for success and barriers to implementation. Teacher Education Quarterly, 43(4), 55–76.

Hopkins, C. L. (2023). Collaboration is key to retaining teachers and supporting students with significant support needs. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 90(1), 23-27.

Jäppinen, A.-K., Leclerc, M., & Tubin, D. (2016). Collaborativeness as the core of professional learning communities beyond culture and context: Evidence from Canada, Finland, and Israel. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 27(3), 315–332. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2015.1067235 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2015.1067235

Kajamaa, A., & Lahtinen, P. (2016). Carnivalization as a new mode of collaboration. Journal of Workplace Learning, 28(4), 188–205. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-11-2015-0084 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-11-2015-0084

King-Sears, M. E., & Strogilos, V. (2018). An exploratory study of self-efficacy, school belongingness, and co-teaching perspectives from middle school students and teachers in a mathematics co-taught classroom. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 24(2), 162–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2018.1453553 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2018.1453553

Kirkpatrick, L., Searle, M., Smyth, R. E., & Specht, J. (2020). A coaching partnership: Resource teachers and classroom teachers teaching collaboratively in regular classrooms. British Journal of Special Education, 47(1), 24–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8578.12296 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8578.12296

Krischler M., Powell, J. J. W., & Pit-Ten Cate, & I. M. (2019). What is meant by inclusion? On the effects of different definitions on attitudes toward inclusive education, European Journal of Special Needs Education, (34)5, 632-648, 10.1080/08856257.2019.1580837 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2019.1580837

Kokko, M., Takala, M. and Pihlaja, P. (2021). Finnish teachers’ views on co-teaching. British Journal of Special Education, 48, 112-132. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8578.12348 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8578.12348

Mackey, J., O’Reilly, N., Fletcher, J., & Jansen, C. (2017). What do teachers and leaders have to say about co-teaching in flexible learning spaces?. Journal of Educational Leadership, Policy and Practice, 33(2), 97-110. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/jelpp-2017-009

Messarra, L. C., Karkoulian, S., & El-Kassar, A.N. (2016). Conflict resolution styles and personality: The moderating effect of Generation x and y in a non-western context. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 65(6), 792-810. http://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-01-2016-0012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-01-2016-0014

Mofield, E. L. (2020). Benefits and barriers to collaboration and co-teaching: Examining perspectives of gifted education teachers and general education teachers. Gifted Child Today, 43(1), 20-33. https://doi.org/10.1177/1076217519880588 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1076217519880588

National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). Students with disabilities. Condition of Education. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences.

Paju, B., Kajamaa, A., Pirttimaa R., & Kontu, E. (2022). Collaboration for inclusive practices: Teaching staff perspectives from Finland. Scandinavian Journal Of Educational Research, (66)3, 427-440, 10.1080/00313831.2020.1869087 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2020.1869087

Rosa, B., & James, L. (2023). Attorney General James and NYSED commissioner Rosa issue guidance to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in New York public schools. New York State Education Department. https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/diversity-equity-inclusion/oag-nysed-dei-guidance.pdf

Regrut, A. L. (2020). Utilizing communication and conflict management skills to sustain co-teaching partnerships. [Doctoral dissertation, Cabrini University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Solone, C. J., Thornton, B. E., Chiappe, J. C., Perez, C., Rearick, M. K., & Falvey, M. A. (2019). Creating collaborative schools in the United States: A review of best practices. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 12(3), 283– 292. doi:10.26822/iejee.2020358222 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee.2020358222

Soslau, E., Kotch-Jester, S., Scantlebury, K., & Gleason, S. (2018). Co-teachers’ huddles: Developing adaptive teaching expertise during student teaching. Teaching and Teacher Education, 73, 99-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2018.03.016 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2018.03.016

Tress, Carissa Joel. (2023). Special Educators’ Perceptions of Autonomy and Support in Secondary Co-Teaching Practices: A Generic Qualitative Study. [Doctoral dissertation, Northcentral University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

U.S. Department of Education. (2018). Sec. 300.8 Child with a disability. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. IDEA. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.8

U.S. Department of Education. (2023). Statute and regulations. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. IDEA. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/statuteregulations/

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. (2015). Incheon declaration: Education 2030: Towards inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all. https://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/education-2030-incheon-framework-for-action-implementation-of-sdg4-2016-en_2.pdf

Woodruff, K. S. (2023). A Sense Of “Shared Responsibility” For Teaching English Learners: Connections Between Teacher Experience, Administrator Support, Co-Planning And Co-Teaching. [Doctoral dissertation, Oregon State University]

Yuan, R., & Zhang, J. (2016). Promoting teacher collaboration through joint lesson planning: Challenges and coping strategies. Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 25(5/6), 817–826. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-016-0300-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-016-0300-7

There are 35 references in total.
How to Cite
Horne, S. (2025). Current challenges and practices in co-teaching in K-12 school. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 20(3), 57-78. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.589
View Fall 2025

Fall 2025

Article Information

  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted August 23, 2025
  • Published June 15, 2025
  • Issue Fall 2025
  • Section Articles
  • File Downloads 0
  • Abstract Views 19
  • Altmetrics
  • Share
Download data is not yet available.