Team teaching can transform the classroom experience. When two instructors collaborate effectively, they create a dynamic learning environment that leverages their diverse skills, knowledge, and teaching styles. However, successful team teaching requires more than just putting two educators in the same room – it demands careful coordination and mutual respect.
Why Team Teaching Works
Team teaching offers several key benefits:
- Diverse perspectives and expertise
- Varied teaching styles that accommodate different learning preferences
- More engaging classroom dynamics
- Enhanced ability to support individual learners
- Natural breaks in presentation flow
However, the challenge lies in executing team teaching in a way that feels cohesive and transparent to learners. Here are five essential rules for success:
Rule #1: Build Mutual Respect
Respect forms the foundation of effective team teaching. Before stepping into the classroom:
- Develop rapport with your co-facilitator
- Acknowledge and appreciate each other’s unique teaching styles
- Establish credibility by properly introducing your teaching partner
- Model professional respect for participants to follow
Rule #2: Create a Clear Plan of Action
Successful team teaching requires careful orchestration:
- Map out who will lead each section of the training
- Align content delivery with individual strengths
- Practice transitions and timing together
- Minimize handoffs during critical learning moments
- Document roles and responsibilities in writing
Rule #3: Maintain a United Front
Consistency is crucial for participant confidence:
- Never contradict your co-facilitator during class
- Address any content disagreements privately during breaks
- Present corrections or clarifications as a team
- Support each other’s teaching decisions in the moment
Rule #4: Practice Active Engagement
Engagement isn’t just for participants:
- Actively involve your co-facilitator in discussions
- Use inclusive language like “we” and “our”
- Create natural opportunities for your partner to contribute
- Ask specific questions that showcase your partner’s expertise
- “Sarah, could you share that excellent example about…”
- “John, you have experience with this – what insights can you add?”
Rule #5: Honor Speaking Boundaries
Clear communication requires clear boundaries:
- Respect when your co-facilitator has the floor
- Develop subtle signals for requesting to contribute
- Wait for natural transitions to add your input
- Use bridging phrases like “Building on that point…” or “If I could add a thought…”
Additional Best Practices
- Debrief Regularly: Schedule time after each session to discuss what worked and what needs adjustment
- Balance Participation: Ensure roughly equal speaking time and responsibility
- Adapt Together: Be flexible and support each other when unexpected situations arise
- Share Resources: Pool your teaching materials and examples
- Maintain Professionalism: Keep personal dynamics out of the classroom
Making It Work Long-Term
Successful team teaching partnerships often evolve into powerful professional relationships. Regular check-ins, open communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement help maintain this dynamic. Remember that even experienced teaching pairs continue to refine their approach over time.
Your Turn
What rules or best practices would you add to this list? Share your experiences with team teaching in the comments below.