Collaboration

Steve G. from the Principal Training program at University of Indiana e-mailed me this week and asked me my thoughts on collaboration. I wrote an e-mail back, but unfortunately I deleted it before pasting it here! Here are some of my thoughts:

I think collaboration is a necessary part of the school community. Collaboration nurtures ideas and gets activities, plans and projects into action. I feel that collaboration is a key to student success. Without collaboration, schools are not progressing into the communities that they could and should be.
Principals are a necessary part of the collaboration process. (see the Dufour and Eaker summary below) I value the collaboration that I am able to do with my principal and colleagues. It is a rewarding and fulfilling part of my job.

What are your views on collaboration? Do you see collaboration as being a necessary part of the school community? Does collaboration exist effectively in your school?