Transcript

Hey, teacher friends, Antoine here, and I'm your host for the Teacher Support Network podcast. Today we're talking about one of the most powerful end of the year moves…a collaboration check-in.  Before you scatter for the summer, plant some seeds for stronger partnerships next year between you and your teaching partners.

And why does this matter? Because you already know when Gen Ed and SpEd teachers are in sync, the students win, especially your students with disabilities and struggling learners. But too often we just leave and rush out the door once the our rooms are packed, the IEPs are finalized, that final PD is done, or we tick off that last end of the year checklist that your school gives you before you can officially start the summer.

But what if a 15 minute conversation now with your co-teacher or your teaching partner can set the tone for months down the line, especially when you return for the next school year? Think about all the energy you pour into your students and imagine what would shift if you poured a little of that into the co-teaching relationship and your collaboration efforts as well.

So here are three questions to reflect on together before you leave for summer break this year. So the first question is, what worked well in our collaboration this year? Give each other flowers. Celebrate what clicked. Like that reading block or math class you co-taught, or that student who finally turned in homework or improved in behavior after you all worked together on a plan.  Maybe you tackled progress monitoring like pros or found a groove for your check-ins. Whatever it is, celebrate it and celebrate it together because you worked as a team. 

The second question to reflect on is where did we struggle? What did we learn? Name the bumps in the road. Maybe schedules got in the way.  Maybe expectations were unclear.  Was there a time one of you felt left out of planning? I mean, these kinds of things are real. And so let's just call 'em out. Not to blame, but just to grow together and to really see what didn't work out and what were some bumps in the road. 

Here’s question number three. What do we want more of next year?

Do you want more co-teaching time? Maybe clearer roles? More shared training together on co-teaching, collaboration,  and inclusion strategies? Maybe even set a fun monthly coffee break to check-in just to stay aligned. 

Whatever it is, think about it, and  dream about what you want more of next year. And with that, if there's something you can go to your administrator and ask for help for, you can plant that seed now.  So while you're over summer break, they can be working on planning for that request for the next school year so that your collaboration can be more effective. 

Here’s a bonus tip for your collaboration check-in. First, each of you jot down your thoughts separately so you have time to reflect. Then meet for just 10-15 minutes to discuss the three questions that I shared:  What worked well in our collaboration this year? Where did we struggle and what did we learn? And what do we want more of next year? 

So let's always be thinking about creating a culture of collaboration.

Collaboration isn't just about the logistics, it's about trust. It's about showing up as whole humans giving each other grace and learning how to serve students together. So let your reflection end with encouraging one another for what you were able to do this year. Look at areas where you appreciate each other and let each other know that.

“I saw how hard you worked in this area.” “I love to build on this next year with you.” Whatever it is, leave on a high note encouraging one another. This kind of energy carries over and it lets you leave the school year with a sense of pride for what you've done.

So in closing, take the step, send that text, have that talk. Reflect together. You're building bridges, not just lesson plans. Your collaboration can be that soil for so much more student growth in a new year to come. And so take that time before you go.

So that's it for today's episode. Please don't forget to check out the show notes and while you're there, grab your free downloadable Gen Ed and SpEd Teachers Collaborative Conversations guide. It's packed with 10 conversation starters to enhance your communication together as you support students with disabilities in your classroom.

And hey, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with a teacher friend, your co-teacher, whoever can benefit from this information as well. That's it for now. Please be encouraged. Keep showing up for each other, teacher fam. That's it. Bye for now.

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