Why Collaborate?

The beauty of collaboration has long been a love of mine.  I've been asked to explain:  "Why collaboration?" to people who are truly working to understand and embrace that our school district is
creating collaboration time for us.

This past week in a math class, it was never more evident to me that we "need" each other in this new world.  We had the advantage of many grade levels, admins, reading teachers, Special Ed teachers and even some music teachers.  The wealth of knowledge in that room was amazing to me as we re-remembered how we once did math, and how that now relates to the many ideas of Common Core.  I love watching brains in action!

Though your district may not be able to create this time for you, let me tell you what us die hard collaborators do.   One of my friends, Annie, has me come over as she is getting her classroom ready for the next day.  When I'm in the room, she says she is able to get things done, while dually purposing her time, collaborating on ideas that have worked that week for her and building on those. We always ask ourselves, "Where do we go next?" 

Another group of friends at another school, always meets on a particular day.  On these days, there are between 3 and 5 teachers.  Each of these ladies has their own forte' of knowledge and input.  When we are done, each subject area is covered, and copies are made for the team.  In the end, there is a lot less work, and a more efficient way of making plans.  There's always a plethora of ideas, and there's a balance and consistency.   I love it!

I am so excited about collaboration, that I want to try to dedicate two days a month, or more to ways we can collaborate globally, even in the areas of technology.  Can't wait to hear your take and learn about you and all the things that work for you.

In honor of this first collaboration post, here are my newfound math friends.  We call ourselves the wingnuts.  We got along so well in math class, everyone thought we were all from the same school!  Yet another blessing of collaboration.

Back row:  Jenny - Music, Sue - 3rd grade, me - 1st, first row: Christy- kindergarten, Diane - grades 1-12 and admin, and lovely Rita- Reading Specialist.
These gals all embraced math in their fields and gave us new ideas to take back to our classrooms.

Now, YOU KNOW WHY!
Happy trails,
Marie -