IN A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE, individuals intentionally come together to build capacity, solve problems, and communicate for the purpose of improving instruction. Solutions are created using the collective wisdom and contributions of the whole group, rather than a single individual. Using the experiences, perspectives, ideas, and insights of many, new solutions or approaches can be discovered that did not previously exist.
Collaboration is a learned skill that enables individuals to move from a “me” culture to a “we” culture where educators at all levels work together to assess, plan, implement, and reflect. Collaboration in education can take many forms. Within schools, teachers collaborate with colleagues, administrators, parents, and community partners, and provide opportunities for students to work together collaboratively. Schools collaborate with other schools and with community partners in providing innovative opportunities for learning. Conferences and unions collaborate with each other to share resources and strategies and to find creative solutions for common challenges.
