Partner Teaching in the Mups
There are so many reasons to love working at the Center School -the families, the traditions, the children. Teachers have the ability to vary the curriculum, modify the schedule if needed, and receive support and encouragement around professional development. Teaching with a partner, or in some cases, a team, is another reason to love working at the Center School. Partner teaching, or co-teaching, can look different in each classroom, depending on the team. There are common elements to team-teaching, however, that you will find in every classroom. Teaching with a partner is more than just sharing responsibilities -it’s about working together, co-creating an inclusive, dynamic environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. The Center School offers a unique classroom experience, with two skilled educators in the room, where teachers can respond to diverse learning needs with differentiated instruction. Partner teachers can integrate multiple perspectives, challenge bias, and facilitate critical conversations at all ages, building the foundation for empathy and equity. Team teaching allows us to bring our full selves into the classroom, support each other in real time, and model cooperation and respect for students.
For the Mups, partner teaching also means more opportunities for connection, feedback, and emotional support. Eight and nine-year-olds are developing their sense of identity and fairness, and having two adults who deeply know them provides a strong relational net. Whether team-teaching a math lesson, co-facilitating a dialogue about inclusion, or simply managing transitions with shared calm and clarity, partner teachers embody the very values we hope to instill in our students: collaboration, justice, and mutual respect.
Today marks the start of Teacher Appreciation Week. During this week, I will be thinking about all of the extraordinary educators that I have had the pleasure of working with during my time at the Center School. In addition, I will be sending love to all of the incredible partner teachers that I have worked with. The Center School’s co-teaching model has allowed me to grow as an educator in ways that I don’t think would have been possible in a more traditional school setting. I am so incredibly grateful for the partner teachers that I have worked with over my years of teaching at the Center School. Thank you, Matt, Olivia, Sarah, Rebecca, Oliver, Alison, and Chris.
