I would think that the chain of command should be followed, and the teachers should have a conversation with each other first. Often, it is a misunderstanding that can be solved with each other before having to go to administration. The administration probably paired them together because he/she knew your friend could help or work with the other person. They should try building a connection with each other.

I would not talk to the principle as my first resort to try and solve the issue. She should have a conversation with the teacher directly and see how that goes. As soon as the principle is notified tensions will become high. Although if the issues are not resolved she has no other option but to seek help from the principal.

I am dealing with a very similar situation right now. I have a co-teacher in an algebra class who refuses to learn the algebra. She has been teaching at this school for decades while I have only been here for three years. To be clear, I have no idea how she was allowed to teach here in the first place, but I cannot change that. Back to the topic, I understand she is not proficient in math, but I told her at the beginning of the year to not be worried, just learn one day ahead of the students. She refused to learn the math. I spoke with her about it. I tried to just not let her teach. Any time she would speak, I would have to speak up to the class and try to help them while not making her look stupid. Then one day she came in my room and bashed me in front of our students. She walked out of the room, and one of our students said, "she's an idiot." I stopped the conversation right there but instantly realized I had to go to administrators. The students know when teachers do not know. I did end up going one of our assistant principals about the situation. I documented many of the co-teacher's failures. I brought them to the assistant principal. I told the assistant principal I was not trying to bring anyone down, but the actions of this co-teacher were unacceptable. The assistant principal agreed completely. We have been working together to address the co-teacher. It has not been easy at all. The co-teacher has not taken it well. She feels she should not have to do her job and does not like being told to do her job. The only positive from this is the co-teacher was able to complete one question correctly on the board two weeks ago. She was not able to answer any questions about it, but she successfully completed a one-step linear equation for the first time in her life. So I consider it a small victory, as did the assistant principal.

I would sit down with her and a coach to have a conversation. Perhaps you could tell your concerns to your coach first then devise a plan to talk with her about these problems. I teach with a co-teacher, and we work really well together. It really benefits everyone when the two of us are on the same page about everything.

Come up with an organization system, where both teachers review the lessons and material before the day of the lesson. This way the teacher will have an opportunity to show the other teacher she is or isn't prepared and has given them a chance.

Co-teaching is like a marriage, it must flow correctly in order for it to be successful. If the co-teachers have difficulty connecting then the students suffer. At the end of the day, the students are the most important factor. The co-teacher may not realize they are not delivering instruction correctly. With that being said, the general education teacher could offer a refresh meeting. This would be where the gen ed teacher will help refresh the current content to the SPED teacher. As a SPED teacher, I completely understand having to adjust to a new teacher to work with and to build a new relationship with (I had 5 co-teachers last school year). Also, if the gen ed teacher does not meet with the SPED teacher first it can become awkward along with possible tension. The teachers need to be able to express how they feel together to solve their problems.

I believe that she should speak to administration about it. There is no way around the issue of tension unfortunately. But the important thing to think about is who is getting hurt here. It should not be about one another feelings but about how it is effecting the student by the co-teach not doing what they are supposed to be doing. Lets face it the co-teach is in the room for a reason and the reason being because the students in the class need extra help.

The first step would be to talk to the co-teacher. I would discuss the lessons for the week, explain what I have planned and ask what the co-teacher has planned to add to the lessons. Maybe collaborative planning can help with the lessons. I would invite a co-worker I respect to come and observe the class and get feedback on the instructional delivery of the lessons.

Chain of command definitely should be followed. Has she tried talking to her first before bringing anyone else in?

I believe that honest communication is the best solution. I would approach the teacher with the complaints, and specific situations where it seemed their planning and performance was not what it should be. I would talk about how they could help one another, and if the conversation doesn't produce results, I would ask for a meeting with the next person in the chain of command. I would not approach the principal automatically.

I would ask administration to come in and sit in on the days this other teacher is teaching. that way they can see what is happening and address the situation and the main teacher never has to start any conflict

I have never co-taught before, but I do know that communication is a big part of it. If both teachers are not on the same page, it can be extremely difficult. It could very well be a misunderstanding and fixed with speaking. If that gets you nowhere, then maybe try going to administration.

I would follow the chain of command. She has to do what she has to do.