Team Teaching in an Early Childhood Interdisciplinary Program: A Decade of Lessons Learned

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Deborah J. Cassidy, Professor (Creator)
Linda L. Hestenes, Associate Professor (Creator)
Karen M. LaParo, Associate Professor (Creator)
Catherine Scott-Little, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Preparing students in the early childhood field to work with children both with and without disabilities and to collaborate with different professionals is an important endeavor for colleges and universities. The purpose of this paper is to articulate a unique model of program collaboration between early childhood special education and early childhood regular education that demonstrates a cohesive preservice teacher education program across two departments within one university. This unique 10-year history of interdisciplinary collaboration and team teaching provides insights into many of the benefits and challenges of this type of program. This paper presents an historical overview of the development of this collaborative program and describes the logistics of operating an interdisciplinary program at the administrative level. Information collected from faculty and students illustrates the benefits and challenges of team teaching. Finally, strategies for developing a successful program are discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 30(2), 172-183
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
Early Childhood, Special Education, Preservice Teachers, Team Teaching, Teacher Education

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