Collaboration

In education jargon there are certain terms that seem to be thrown around to indicate ones proficiency or adeptness. One such term, out of many, is the use of the word collaboration. Make no mistake about it, working together in order to have strong curriculum and enriched courses of learning are critical.

I have witnessed real collaboration where there is a genuine respect for many ideas, probing, seeking ideas, broaching of concerns, listening to others, providing guidance, asking thoughtful questions and so very much more. These are all a part of collaborating with colleagues. Why are these qualities important? Well, they foster trust and respect not to mention coming up with a qualitative/thoughtful solution to a problem or issue.

Telling a teaching professional, at whatever level that may exist in a school setting, that 'this is way its going to be' is no way to foster and arrive at collaboration. If people are looking for buy in so to speak, are seeking to involve others and want to see the implementation of a program or idea be successful then they might want to look to the previous paragraph on elements of true collaboration.

Shouting out from down on high doesn't work!

Dick