SCHOOL NEWS
Dean of Instruction Mrs. Ana Aldana teaches one of her Spanish classes with some interactive work at the SmartBoard.
Co-Teaching and Collaboration Deans in the Classroom and Co-Teaching Model Helps Students Succeed ince the mid-1970s, co-teaching models have been used to help students with exceptional learning needs access the curriculum in the general education setting. Typically, the general education and special education teachers share the delivery of instruction, are able to work more closely with smaller groups or individuals, and provide meaningful accommodations. Students often report significant benefits as a result of a more individualized learning environment. An article in the International Journal of Education and Practice, 8(1), 1-17, Impact of co-teaching approach in inclusive education settings on the development of reading skills, by Gokbulut, O. D., Akcamete, G., & Güneyli, A. (2020) found that “Whether incorporating accommodations or modifications, when teachers used a co-teaching strategy, the students were more cognitively and actively engaged during class, asking questions, working with a partner, and getting assignments completed. Students exhibit significantly higher levels of engagement and higher efficiency in cotaught classes as compared to those students in a solo-taught classroom.” This year, Paul VI has introduced a co-teaching model in several classes. Head of School Mrs. Laura Swenson co-teaches Algebra 1 and Mrs. Stephanie Zimmerman co-teaches in English and Biology. Additionally, our principal and deans continue to teach a class, allowing them to connect with our students and department teachers authentically. Principal Dr. Tom Opfer ’96 teaches Math classes, Dean of Instruction Mrs. Ana Aldana teaches two Spanish classes, Dean of Faculty Mrs. Melanie Kiernan ’92 teaches two English classes, Dean of Curriculum Mr. Apolonio Latar teaches two Theology classes, and Director of Counseling Mrs. Sandra Stankiewicz teaches a section of AP Psychology. All are delighted to spend time with students. Whether it is in the classroom, on stage, on the field or court, in the chapel, or in the hallway, our administrators are out and about connecting with students. Aldana noted, “I love teaching. I love being in the classroom and helping students Grow in Grace and Wisdom while immersing themselves in the Spanish language and culture. My classroom experience is pertinent to supporting other teachers with their instruction, as I can share ideas and strategies that have proven successful in my classes.”
“To me, co-teaching is a gift for both the students and the staff involved. The students are able to experience a variety of teaching styles and perspectives in order to master content. Students are able to learn in an environment that accepts and welcomes diversity in learning. As an educator, I have been very blessed to be able to work with, as well as continue to learn and strengthen my professional skills, with other amazing teachers I work with at PVI. One of the greatest things we can teach our students is the importance of being a lifelong learner and the co-teaching environment is a great experience for our students to see this in action. I find myself very fortunate to be able to be a part of this teaching model for our students here at PVI.” — Mrs. Stephanie Zimmerman
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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