Why Collaboration?

I feel the biggest thing we can gain from collaboration is the perspective of others. This is true in regards to students learning from one another and the teacher learning from the students. Every student brings different life experiences and the knowledge that comes from those experiences to the table. Therefore, collaboration provides an opportunity for students to learn from one another. Additionally, students learn how to better work as a team. This is an essential skill required for future success in the workforce, and one we as teachers should be equipping students with.

From a teaching perspective, collaboration allows for an opportunity for teachers to bounce ideas off of one another. Like students, all teachers bring different experiences and the knowledge that comes from those experiences to the teaching team. This is something that ideally would be supported by school administration so that common planning time can be scheduled within the workday. Additionally, through collaboration teachers can develop integrated lessons across subjects, which allows for a deeper understanding of various educational concepts.