Origins of Co-Teaching Institute
In Spring 2012, JSU College of Education and Professional Studies created the Co-Teaching Institute to promote co-teaching as an instructional strategy to prepare candidates for meeting the needs of diverse learners collaboratively and effectively. A group of JSU Education faculty, local school faculty and administrators took part in a 2-day training workshop led by founders Nancy Bacharach and Teresa Washut Heck from St. Cloud State University, held in Stadium Towers on the JSU campus. JSU Education piloted the co-teaching model in some clinical placements in fall 2012 and continued into spring 2013 internship. Training has been ongoing for all faculty as well as participating practicum candidates and cooperating teachers. Candidates are required to co-teach with cooperating teachers during internship and various clinical experiences.