Good Collaborators at Work
Consider the experience of one kindergarten teacher who absolutely did not want the school music teacher to “interfere” with her program. She was a musician herself and played both piano and guitar during much of the kindergarten day. The music teacher, on the other hand, had a contractual responsibility to provide a weekly experience in every class. It was the music teacher who first came up with a solution. It was almost time for the schoolwide winter program and he asked the kindergarten teacher to be accompanist (although he was well qualified to perform the job himself). The kindergarten teacher accepted with some measure of delight (although she suspected his motives). Fortunately, both teachers were by nature good collaborators and they worked well together on the program, resolving their differences harmoniously. Once it was over, the music teacher said nothing more about coming to the kindergarten teacher’s class, hoping to receive an invitation. He did receive just such an invitation and, by spring, they had collaborated enough to create a program just for the kindergarten children to share with their families and the rest of the school. It was well received by everyone and plans were discussed for the upcoming year.