Collaboration between school-based therapists and teachers is essential for creating meaningful, sustainable support for students. Yet in busy school environments, collaboration can easily become surface-level or inconsistent.
At the 2026 Inclusive Classroom Summit, occupational therapist Jennifer Kubinski, OTR/L, shared practical strategies to help therapists move beyond check-ins and toward true partnership. She emphasizes that effective collaboration is not about adding more to a teacher’s workload. It is about working together in ways that fit naturally within the classroom.
When collaboration is intentional and efficient, students benefit from more consistent practice, teachers feel supported rather than overwhelmed, and therapists can extend their impact across more students throughout the day.
One simple but often overlooked way to strengthen collaboration is to meet teachers where they already are. Instead of adding extra meetings, consider joining existing grade-level check-ins or data strategy meetings. These spaces offer valuable insight into student needs and classroom priorities, and they create natural opportunities to contribute, build relationships, and support teachers in real time. Jennifer shared that when she began attending these meetings, it opened doors to classrooms and conversations that may not have happened otherwise. She was able to hear concerns in real time, identify common challenges, and offer relevant strategies that aligned with what teachers were already discussing.
This approach positions you as part of the team from the start. It also allows you to:
- Gain insight into classroom-wide needs
- Contribute proactively instead of reactively
- Build relationships in a natural, low-pressure way
Below are seven practical ways to collaborate better with teachers as a school-based therapist.
1. Approach Challenges as a Shared Responsibility
One of the most important mindset shifts is moving from a handoff approach to a shared problem-solving model. Instead of identifying a challenge and expecting the teacher to carry it out, collaboration works best when both professionals are actively involved in finding solutions.
Inviting the teacher into the process with questions like “How can we support this together?” increases buy-in and leads to strategies that are more likely to be used consistently. When solutions are realistic for the classroom, they are far more effective.
2. Start with Relationship Building
Strong collaboration begins with trust. When entering a classroom, especially for the first time, it is important to take time to understand the teacher’s environment before offering recommendations.
This might include learning about classroom routines, expectations, and current challenges. A simple question such as “What can I do to support you?” can open the door to meaningful collaboration.
Teachers bring deep knowledge of their students, and recognizing that expertise helps create a more balanced and respectful partnership.
3. Align Therapy Goals with Classroom Participation
For collaboration to be effective, therapy goals need to connect directly to what students are expected to do in the classroom.
Rather than focusing only on isolated skill development, consider how those skills show up during real classroom tasks. For example:
- What does the student need in order to participate in writing activities?
- What supports will help them engage during group instruction?
When goals are tied to classroom participation, teachers are more likely to reinforce strategies throughout the day, leading to greater consistency and faster progress.
4. Position Yourself as a Collaborative Partner
School-based therapists often provide direct services, but their role can also include supporting the broader classroom environment.
Positioning yourself as a collaborative partner may look like:
- Modeling strategies during classroom activities
- Demonstrating tools that can be used with multiple students
- Offering ideas that integrate into existing routines
This approach helps teachers see therapy as something that supports their classroom, rather than something separate from it.
5. Be Intentional About Communication
Respecting a teacher’s time is a key part of effective collaboration. Classrooms are busy, and unplanned interruptions can create stress rather than support.
Instead, establish clear and respectful communication by asking:
- What is the best way to connect?
- When is a convenient time to talk?
- Do you prefer quick check-ins via text or email, or scheduled meetings?
These small considerations help build trust and make ongoing collaboration more manageable.
6. Understand the Curriculum and Classroom Priorities
To collaborate effectively, therapists need a clear understanding of what is already happening in the classroom.
This includes:
- Curriculum expectations
- Instructional approaches
- Classroom priorities and pacing
Aligning your strategies with these elements helps reduce confusion and ensures that your recommendations support, rather than compete with, what the teacher is already doing. This alignment makes it easier for strategies to be implemented consistently.
7. Stay Flexible and Open to Growth
Every classroom has its own dynamics, and successful collaboration requires flexibility. Therapists often need to adjust their approach based on the environment, the teacher’s style, and the needs of the students.
There may be challenges along the way, especially when working across multiple classrooms or navigating different personalities. Giving yourself space to learn and adapt is part of the process.
Over time, this flexibility strengthens relationships and leads to more effective collaboration.
Expanding Collaboration Beyond Direct Support
Some of the most valuable opportunities for collaboration happen outside of direct therapy sessions. Participating in team meetings, data discussions, and co-planning sessions with teachers and administrators can provide important insight into student needs across the classroom.
These settings allow therapists to identify patterns, contribute strategies, and support Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions. They also create opportunities to build relationships and increase visibility within the school community.
Putting These Collaboration Strategies into Practice
Effective collaboration between school-based therapists and teachers is not about adding more tasks. It is about creating shared understanding, aligning goals, and working together in ways that are practical and sustainable.
When collaboration is done well:
- Students receive more consistent and meaningful support
- Teachers feel more confident and less overwhelmed
- Therapists can extend their impact beyond individual sessions
By focusing on relationships, communication, and alignment with the classroom, therapists can create partnerships that truly support student success.
This is just a glimpse: get the full interview plus 11 other expert-led talks on mastering MTSS for school-based therapists.
About Jennifer Kubinski
Jennifer Kubinski, OTR/L, is a school-based occupational therapist and team coordinator with 25 years of experience, including a decade in educational settings. She specializes in fine motor development, sensory-motor integration, and self-regulation, and develops MTSS programs to support student success. Jennifer also educates parents and educators through social media, digital resources, and innovative programs in her community and online that build strong foundations for learning.