Two heads and a collaboration are definitely better than one!

A growing criticism of the education system is that teachers spend too much of their time distanced from their colleagues, encouraging competition rather than collaboration and making it difficult for teachers to work together to solve educational issues and overcoming hurdles. We all like a bit of competition and to show that we are the best at what we do, but in the education space, thing don’t have to be that way. There are many ways that teachers can reach out and connect with their colleagues and build a more collaborative atmosphere in their schools. How you may ask? We have the answer for you on how to improve your relationships and improve the quality of teaching.

Share what works best – If you’re seeing amazing results from learners in your classroom, there’s no reason not to share your techniques and lessons with other teachers. You can also draw on their experiences with what works for them, making your learners’ experiences all the better in the process.

Start a blog – Share your experiences and invite other teachers to share theirs through a collaborative blog. It’s a great way to talk when you don’t have time at work and it can be shared with other teachers outside your school as well. The power the keyboard holds!

Tackle a problem head-on and solve it together – there’s no reason why you have to tackle a problem at your school or in your classroom all by yourself. Ask your colleagues for some advice and help and find solid solutions for a way forward.

Be a team player – Many schools don’t necessarily encourage teachers to really work together. This however, doesn’t mean that you can change that mentality. You can start building a more team-focused feeling at your school by encouraging collaboration, talking to other teachers and holding your own meetings. You are all working towards the same goal – giving learners the best education to prepare them for life ahead. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Co-teach!- One teacher is good, but two is better! Use a free period to help another teacher work with his or her class. Trade off so that you both get experience in the practice. You’ll have to work together on the curriculum and delivery, which will give you a chance to get to know your colleagues both personally and professionally.

We all have exceptionally busy lives and a day in the life of a teacher is always manic without fail, but do yourself a favour and make that time to share your knowledge and experiences with a colleague. The rewards may be much greater than you will ever imagine!