What Is Co‑Teaching? Expert Insights from Marilyn Friend

Marilyn Friend — Renowned expert on co‑teaching and inclusive practices; author of practitioner books including Co‑Teach and Specially Designed Instruction for Co‑Teaching. She emphasizes co‑teaching as a service delivery option that embeds specially designed instruction in general education classrooms. Learn more at coteach.com or reach her at [email protected]. Host Tim Villegas talks with Marilyn Friend about what co‑teaching really is (and isn’t), why it isn’t mandated in federal or state law, and how it strengthens inclusive education by ensuring physical, social, and instructional integration for students with disabilities. The conversation covers the six co‑teaching approaches, which ones to prioritize, and practical guardrails like role reciprocity and keeping specially designed instruction truly “special.”