I connected with them, read their blog posts, commented, shared, chatted... As my PLN grew, I realised that, though we live and work in different countries with different school systems, and face different challenges, we all have something in common – we all love what we do.
Somehow, however, I have not actually collaborated with any of them. Yes, we do share ideas, tips, teaching materials, experience, but we have not DONE anything together. Not until the first days of 2015. A few days ago I was invited by a biology teacher working in a primary school in Belgrade, whom I have not met in person yet, to join him in writing an article for a biology blog he administers. The idea was to share thoughts about teaching biology in English lessons and other issues related to teaching and teachers. Through a friendly chat, we managed to write an unpretentious article that appealed to a lot of colleagues. What amazed me most was the process itself. It ran so smoothly like it was something we do on a regular basis. It dawned to me that all you need for a good collaboration is mutual understanding and respect. We do not have to see eye to eye on everything as long as we value each other’s opinion and share the same goal.
I realise now it is all a part of both personal and professional growth and I feel the need to do it more often this year.