Collaboration among teachers requires time for group planning, sharing, and reflection. Many teachers feel that the time available in the work schedule for this is insufficient. On the other hand, many have come to realize that some of the time that is available for group planning is used inefficiently. Teachers are beginning to recognize the kinds of advance preparation and organization needed for productive group meetings. Persevere in collaboration.
Collaboration can be wonderful and wearing.
Our support network has been a source of energy, release, and growth for teachers. Discussion is lively, and ideas flow as we share, reflect, and study together. The wearing side of collaboration surfaces when we try to debate, critique, and coordinate points of view. We find it difficult to deal with hard criticism, let go of ownership of ideas, and question our certainties. Working out relationships based on interdependence and mutual respect is demanding, to say the least.