From classroom to career: How OHIO Eastern’s Co-Teaching Program supports future educators

Ohio University Eastern’s Early Childhood and Elementary Education program has long recognized the power of hands-on experience in preparing future educators.

Through a unique co-teaching partnership with local school districts, teacher candidates are placed in classrooms for an entire academic year, gaining an in-depth understanding of what it takes to guide students from the start of the school year to the final day of class. This program is a prime example of how strong partnerships between universities and school districts create lasting benefits for both students and the local community.

One such teacher candidate is Tiffany Hoffman, a senior in the Early Childhood and Elementary Education program, who is currently completing her co-teaching placement at Union Local Elementary School. As Hoffman navigates her final semester, she is gaining a comprehensive, real-world experience that will help her transition from student teacher to full-time educator. 

Kim Ciroli, associate professor of instruction at OHIO Eastern, speaks highly of Hoffman’s dedication.

“Tiffany is the kind of student who shows up for every challenge with a positive attitude," Ciroli said. "Balancing the rigorous demands of our program with the responsibilities of motherhood is no small feat, and yet she does so with incredible resilience. Tiffany’s commitment to her education and to her future students stands out, and she’s a great example of the kind of student we are proud to have in our program.”

Hoffman’s mentor, Rachel Dorff, who has been guiding student teachers for several years at Union Local, highlights the value of the co-teaching model.

“I have greatly enjoyed mentoring and learning from the student teachers placed in my classroom,” said Dorff. “The way that Ohio University Eastern allows teacher candidates to spend their last two semesters teaching in the same classroom and experiencing the year with our students is an invaluable experience.”

This immersion has allowed Hoffman to develop key teaching skills and gain confidence.

“Tiffany has refined her co-teaching techniques, and as she transitions to lead teacher in the spring semester, she is well-prepared to take on this responsibility,” Dorff said. “She’s become more confident in leading discussions and guiding students, and her familiarity with the staff and curriculum will serve her well in the future.”

The co-teaching program at OHIO Eastern began in 2016, when Ciroli attended a workshop at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Inspired by the research and co-teaching model used there, Ciroli and the team at OHIO Eastern decided to adapt it to meet the needs of local teacher candidates. They focused on a year-long placement, where students would spend two full days a week in the classroom during their junior year.

The partnership with Union Local School District began that same year, and the program has grown steadily since then.

“The knowledge of content, pedagogy, classroom management, and sense of belonging far exceeded their peers who were not in a co-teaching program,” said Ciroli. “The teachers all wanted to do it again, and soon, other teachers were asking to be part of the program. We’ve partnered with Union Local every year since.”

As the program has expanded, so too has its reach. The school district partnerships now include Union Local, Bellaire, Martins Ferry, Barnesville, Harrison Hills, Shadyside, and others. This broad network ensures that future educators are exposed to a range of teaching environments and challenges, which only enhances their preparation for a career in education.

Ohio University alumna Shayla Schuster, who participated in the co-teaching program last year, offers her perspective on how the experience shaped her career.

“I am currently teaching fifth grade at Union Local Elementary. The co-teaching program allowed me to work closely with Rachel Dorff where I built strong communication, collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Having a mentor to guide me through my student teaching and the last year of college was very impactful. Dorff boosted my confidence, answered all my questions, and supported me through my journey to become a future educator," Schuster said. 

“Dorff modeled great classroom management, leadership, best teaching practices, how to effectively address behaviors, and plenty more," Schuster added. "She provided me with feedback consistently that helped me grow and gave me the reins so I could learn hands-on. Not only did Dorff build a strong rapport with all her students, but she did with her coworkers as well. We created such a strong bond that I still reach out to her whenever I need anything." 

“After the co-teaching program came to an end, I truly felt ready to have my own classroom. I would not have been able to say that before my senior year. I have taken what I learned then and applied it to my teaching today. I am very happy where I am in my teaching career, and my amazing college education I received at OHIO Eastern sometimes makes me feel like I am not even a first-year teacher and I've been doing this longer,” Schuster said.

Looking ahead, Hoffman’s journey reflects the success of the co-teaching program at OHIO Eastern. Her growth, coupled with the continued collaboration between the University and local school districts, shows just how important these partnerships are in shaping the next generation of teachers.