Spotlight Series 05 featuring Teresa Badalamenti

As part of our Educator Spotlight Series, we are featuring educator Teresa Badalamenti (@TeresaBadalame1), a fifth-grade in-class support teacher for math and ELA, who will share her experiences and best practices for inclusive education and co-teaching.

1. How long have you been working in the inclusion, co-teaching setting? I have worked as both an inclusion special education teacher and as a general education teacher with a co-teacher for seven years. Prior to that, I was a general education teacher for an additional 9 years.

2. What is the most rewarding part about working with a co-teacher or in the inclusion setting? The most rewarding part of working with a co-teacher is our ability to put our heads together and to come up with materials and lessons that would have never come from either of us individually. Plus, in the classroom, I enjoy playing off of each other's strengths and personalities.

3. What are some potential obstacles co-teachers face? How can teachers overcome these obstacles?

Although I have been fortunate to work with great co-teachers, I have heard of instances when one takes over, and the other doesn't get a chance to truly participate in the teaching/planning. Also, I have heard of situations where one teacher does everything because the other does nothing or very little. I think it's important to have honest conversations about what is needed and who will complete which tasks. The students should see both teachers as "the teacher." In order to have that be the case, both teachers must be willing to work together. 4. What strategies have you found most successful when working with a co-teacher?

Ideally, co-teachers should have common planning time. They should also both do the grading and should review assessments together. They should have time to discuss students' progress and strategies to help/propel all students. 5. What strategies have you found most successful when working with students in an inclusion setting?

I like small group instruction. This should, of course, follow IEP needs. However, it should also include any struggling student and should be used as data in the RTI process. 6. What is one thing that you think teachers or schools can do to make sure classrooms are more inclusive?

I think all teachers should be required to have PD in special education so that they all understand the basics. 7. What piece of advice would you give to either new teachers entering the field or teachers working in inclusion classrooms for the first time? Always ask yourself the question, "What is best for the students?" Let the answer guide you.

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The Educator Spotlight Series features educators in the field and their experiences with inclusion and co-teaching. If you are interested in being featured in the weekly series, please fill out the interest form or reach out via DM to @AssemblingIncl1.