Chapter 2: Mainstream and Ell Teacher Partnerships: A Model of Collaboration

Across the United States, many English language learner (ELL) teachers serve their students in the mainstream classroom through a pull-out, push-in, or coteaching model. However, an essential element is often missing in these models: effective collaboration between the mainstream and ELL teacher. The research literature suggests collaboration between mainstream and ELL teachers is vital to the academic achievement of ELLs (Dove & Honigsfeld, 2010; Gottlieb, 2006; Walker, Shafer, & Iiams, 2004). In such collaboration, the ELL teacher contributes knowledge of second language acquisition and teaching strategies for language and academic content, whereas the mainstream teacher contributes knowledge of grade-level curriculum and standards. This combined knowledge allows for strategic planning and instruction.