Dictionary.com (one of my favorite sources) defines the act of collaboration as working together, especially in a joint intellectual effort OR to cooperate treasonably, as with an enemy occupation force in one's country.

These opposing definitions to this word can be seen on educational campus across the world.

It seems that some teachers see great benefits in working together for lesson design and these people are willing to step out of their individual classrooms and work for a "joint intellectual effort." They share ideas and form new ones; they develop passion and persistent in their reflections, modifications, and further idea sharing. Their students understand that working together increases intellectual ability because their teachers model it. These are the teachers that improve their instruction after years in the classroom and get "better" after 25 years in the profession. These are the ones who raise test scores the logical way--critical thinking!

Others look at collaboration as treason, a detestable cooperation where enemies are constantly lurking, ready to attack and steal from them. These teachers jealously guard their ideas, lessons, and classrooms. As administrators force them to "collaborate" their participation becomes "cooperation" in the truest limit. They hide. They tremble in fear when others walk into their classrooms. Sometimes these are teachers are strong by nature and some learn trial by fire.

There is a third type of teacher that doesn't understand the definition of collaboration; these are the teachers that have created the feelings of treason from the main bunch. These are the takers, those who take assignments (not ideas) and never return the favor.

Obviously, you know where I stand on the issue.