How do Principals Encourage Collaboration?

Principals play a crucial role in ensuring the equal participation of all subjects of the educational process in effective cooperation. As D. Bateman and F. Bateman note, a collaborative environment “is the careful creation of work climate that has a solid foundation of trust and respect among colleagues”. First, principals must ensure collaboration between themselves and their subordinate teachers. Principals are recommended to involve teachers in decision-making, perceiving each of them as a valuable contributor to the school’s prosperity. No matter how strict the school management guidelines are principals should share leadership with their teachers in particular areas. Principals’ should also share responsibility for students’ performance.

Moreover, principals’ involvement in collaboration among teachers is no less significant. Principals should not only hire experienced and qualified staff but also contribute to their professional development. Being the leaders of the new generation, “transformational” leaders, principals should encourage teamwork, providing extra time for respective activities and special meetings. It is also important for school leaders to ensure all teachers’ participation in meetings devoted to students with disabilities.

The last but not the least, principals can play a major role in engaging parents in a fruitful collaboration with school personnel. Parents can be involved in curriculum planning, assessment planning, and information sharing. Mitchell states that there are five levels of parent involvement in the educational process. These are: being informed, taking part in school activities, dialogue and exchange of views, taking part in decision-making, and having the responsibility to act. All such activities should be performed in the spirit of mutual respect.