Better Together: Strengthening Teacher Collaboration for a Thriving School Community

Guest Post by Jacqueline Goodburn

Our school day is intentionally designed to maximize face time between teachers and students. With students at the heart of learning, this structure makes perfect sense. However, it can also present challenges when it comes to fostering teacher collaboration and support. While teachers embrace the autonomy of their classrooms, strong connections with colleagues are essential for sharing feedback, sparking new ideas, and building a culture of continuous improvement. These connections also offer personal encouragement that can help prevent teacher burnout.

So, how can we stay connected and strive for our next best?

Practical Ways to Foster Teacher Collaboration

Teach with Your Door Open

In our district, a pineapple door hanger signals that visitors are welcome—but even without the pineapple, open doors invite collaboration. When you visit a colleague’s classroom, offer positive feedback and thank them for sharing their learning space. These small gestures build trust and openness.

Share Your Wins and Strategies

Whether it’s on social media, in the teacher’s lounge, or during lunch, share your successes! We host teacher-led, teacher-choice professional development days to spotlight great ideas. If your school doesn’t offer these, consider sharing a quick strategy or tool at the end of a faculty meeting. Teachers may not love meetings, but everyone appreciates a fresh idea.

Engage in Informal Conversations

Some of my best professional learning plans have come from casual chats with fellow educators at conferences or workshops. If you attend an event with someone from your district, challenge yourself to meet new people and explore different perspectives. This approach works within your school too—sharing both celebrations and challenges helps us reflect and grow.

Attend Professional Development Together

Even if you attend different sessions, plan to meet up for lunch and discuss what inspired you. Your teacher friends can help refine your ideas and make them classroom ready.

Seek and Offer Constructive Feedback

If you're trying out a new strategy or focus area, invite a colleague to observe and offer feedback—or volunteer to do the same for them. Clarify the focus of the visit so the feedback is meaningful and supportive.

Expand Your Learning Network Online

Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to connect with educators worldwide. I’m relatively new to using social media for professional learning, but the benefits are undeniable. I discover fresh ideas, uplifting quotes, and valuable learning opportunities every time I scroll through my feed. Online chats, virtual events, and global connections can enrich your teaching practice in ways you never imagined.

The theme is clear: make time for each other. Teacher collaboration isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential. By staying connected, sharing ideas, and supporting one another, we create a stronger, more resilient learning community. Wishing you all a joyful and inspiring school year!

Kids giving feedback

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich

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