Many classes have a co-teacher along with a main teacher in a classroom. Many students may not know that co-teaching is when two teachers work collaboratively with students and share the responsibilities in the classroom. These include: planning, organizing, and helping struggling students.

Social Studies teacher and football coach, Mr. Mullinax, collaborates with Mr. Manuel for his World History class. Mr. Manuel serves as the co-teacher during those blocks, helping students with various tasks and responsibilities in the class when students need help.

Mr. Mullinax shared that co-teaching adds “a layer of accountability for a class.” In addition to this, he commented, “Another adult in the room allows for discipline to be instilled more fully and for multiple children to be helped if needed.” Mr. Mullinax also believes that co-teaching helps students to stay on task and not fall behind in class, especially during more rigorous assignments and during note taking.

Co-teacher Mr. Manuel supported these thoughts, saying that co-teaching “enhances the overall experience and gives the insight and experience of both teachers.” Mr. Manuel also stated that co-teaching “allows students to connect with adults in class and enhance their ability to succeed in the subject area.”

Many teachers at BDHS emphasized how helpful co-teachers are when classroom size is larger. When there is a larger number of students, there is a greater possibility of someone needing help. This is when a co-teacher is a “super-hero” of sorts because they help divide and conquer and provide students with the assistance they need. It goes without saying that all teachers appreciate the extra help of a co-teacher.

Likewise, Ms. Johnson from the Science department says, ” It helps when there is another teacher to give support because the content teacher may not be able to give support to many students at one time.” She believes that co-teaching is better for students because having extra support is more beneficial to a student’s education. Ms. Johnson appreciates the co-teaching assistance of Mr. Adams during her fifth period class.

Senior, Cassie Avenick, reports that she does not have any classes with a co-teacher. Though, she thinks that co-teaching is better for students because “one teacher might have a lot of stress on their shoulders sometimes, and if there’s two teachers, then it helps.”

Along these same lines, freshman Conner Moyer asserts that he prefers having a co-teacher in the classroom as well. He affirms that “co-teaching is helpful for certain students who need help.”

On the contrary, senior Jake Sedell argues that co-teaching makes a difference. He says that he doesn’t really notice a difference in a classroom where there is a main teacher and a co-teacher. Sedell affirms he is fine without a co-teacher. In the end, most students stated they preferred having an extra set of hands in the classroom.