The Power of Collaboration in Education
Interestingly, in education, the system is set up in a way that makes the “goal” a continuously moving target. You see, once we achieve a goal, we quickly realize that the “end zone” must be pushed further down the road, with the intent of fostering notable and meaningful progress over time through a framework known as a continuous growth mindset. Every small success we see builds on the last, and every step forward requires persistence and tenacity. Nowhere is this more evident than in special education, where each challenge presents an opportunity for extraordinary teamwork, and every small victory reminds us of the incredible power we hold when we come together. When educators, leaders, and staff unite, amazing things happen.
Chris Zielinski, SSP, BCBA
The Strength of “We”
Chris Zielinski, SSP, BCBA
The Power of 'Yet'
Imagine a student sitting at a desk, struggling with a task that seems impossible. As educators, we have seen this happen a thousand times over. Maybe it’s reading a sight word. Maybe it’s tying a shoe, counting change, navigating the local area independently, or saying a single sentence. They sigh and say, “I can’t do it.” And you, the teacher, paraprofessional, parent, sibling, administrator, or therapist, respond softly…”Yes, you can- you just can’t do it yet.” That one word, “yet”, changes everything. It transforms frustration into possibility, struggle into hope, mistakes into steps forward. It is a promise that growth is possible, that mastery is coming, and that every effort matters. It drives and governs that growth mindset.
“Yet” not only applies to students, but also to every one of us in this field. A teacher may not have mastered a strategy yet. A paraprofessional may not feel confident leading a new activity yet. An administrator may not have figured out the perfect system yet. And that is okay. “Yet” is not a limitation; it’s a reminder that we are all learning, all growing, all reaching for something better. When we combine the power of we with the hope of yet, we create a culture where possibilities are endless, challenges become opportunities, and every team member is supported, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
“Yet” not only applies to students, but also to every one of us in this field. A teacher may not have mastered a strategy yet. A paraprofessional may not feel confident leading a new activity yet. An administrator may not have figured out the perfect system yet. And that is okay. “Yet” is not a limitation; it’s a reminder that we are all learning, all growing, all reaching for something better. When we combine the power of we with the hope of yet, we create a culture where possibilities are endless, challenges become opportunities, and every team member is supported, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Staff Supporting Staff
Staff supporting staff is the heartbeat of this culture. I have said it many times. If you have ever worked closely with me, you would have heard me say many times over that, as educators, we are in the people industry. We are here for others, not ourselves. This includes our fellow educators. Picture it: a teacher and a paraprofessional huddling each morning, reviewing plans, anticipating challenges, helping motivate each other for today, and celebrating even the smallest wins. They check in throughout the day, sharing observations and offering encouragement. That sense of collective ownership and the idea that it’s not “my student” or “your student,” but “our students,” creates an electric, contagious energy. Simply put, when staff support staff, the work becomes lighter, the victories greater, and the impact potentially more profound.
The Role of Administrators
Administrators also play a critical role. Leadership is not just about oversight; it’s about empathy, vision, developing culture, supporting others, and empowerment. Walking into classrooms, asking questions, listening deeply, and acting on what you hear builds trust and inspires confidence in those around you. Administrators, like everyone else, may not have everything figured out yet, but their willingness to learn, listen, be present, and champion their teams sets the stage for extraordinary success.
Teachers: The Heartbeat of Special Education
Teachers, of course, are the heartbeat of special education. They navigate complex curriculum and instructional expectations (which can sometimes feel ever-changing), behavior plans, and IEP goals while nurturing their students' social and emotional growth. All of which is done while incorporating parents into the mix. Even the most skilled teacher thrives when collaboration is part of the daily routine.
Teams meet to review student progress, share insights, notice patterns, and build strategies together. One teacher notices a trigger in math, another sees it during reading, and together they create a plan that works across multiple settings. Collaborating & planning with therapists, integrating sensory strategies, and building local experiences ensure students succeed in ways no single adult could accomplish alone. Truth be told, the victories we see are born from collaboration, guided by hope, and fueled by the belief in yet.
Teams meet to review student progress, share insights, notice patterns, and build strategies together. One teacher notices a trigger in math, another sees it during reading, and together they create a plan that works across multiple settings. Collaborating & planning with therapists, integrating sensory strategies, and building local experiences ensure students succeed in ways no single adult could accomplish alone. Truth be told, the victories we see are born from collaboration, guided by hope, and fueled by the belief in yet.
Chris Zielinski, SSP, BCBA
The Impact on Students
At the center of all this work are the students. Every observation shared, every idea discussed, and every word of encouragement directly impacts their growth and development. A student who once struggled to communicate may find their voice when a teacher, a therapist, and a paraprofessional work together to support the same goal. Another may master an independent living skill because an administrator ensured the right tools and supports were in place. Because of this, there is no way we could ever say that these victories are achieved in isolation. They are the result of teamwork, support, resilience, and unwavering belief.
Chris Zielinski, SSP, BCBA
The common phrase you hear all the time is “Together Everyone Achieves More.” But in education, it’s easy to give so much to others that we forget the impact it has on ourselves. The truth is, when we collaborate, support each other, and share knowledge, all while lifting one another up, we help our students (and each other) accomplish amazing things. We have the potential to enrich lives. We have the potential to teach skills today that lead to brighter tomorrows. We can create possibilities that ripple far beyond the classroom. That is the real measure of the work we do.
When we support each other, when we persevere, and when we believe in what’s possible, extraordinary things can happen. Students learn. Our teams grow. Our schools flourish. And even if we haven’t mastered it perfectly yet, tomorrow promises that we will.
written by
Chris Zielinski
Chris Zielinski is a school psychologist, behavior analyst, and school administrator specializing in public policy, special education, and program assessment and development. Throughout his career in public education, he has been a long-term substitute teacher, school psychologist, lead psychologist, behavior analyst, autism/behavior consultant, and assistant superintendent. Before transitioning to the field of education, Chris provided clinical behavioral health services and worked in corrections with state and federal inmates. Outside of his professional life, Chris enjoys spending time with his three amazing daughters and his motivated, intelligent, and supportive wife. Chris is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with his Bachelor of Arts in Public Law and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Specialist degree in School Psychology, and a Director of Special Education endorsement.
University Product
product description in relation to blog post
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
Download our resource and start learning!
Learn the tools used by the world's top professionals. Boost your confidence, master the field, become a certified professional. We hope our guide provides you with valuable insights and practical tips.
Everywhere you listen to podcasts!
Little Bits of TLC Podcast
Join us for more!
Listen to [EPISODE TITLE] with [GUEST]
Project Thrive
Build an inclusive, proactive classroom that supports students with behavioral and mental health needs.
Join the next cohort to develop effective environments, behavior strategies, targeted instruction, essential collaboration skills, and more!
Project Onward
Build a transformative intensive program with your complex at-risk students.
Join the next cohort to develop your self-contained or alternative education program from design through implementation!
Project Bace
Build an effective, individualized functional skills program for your low-incidence students.
Join the next cohort to develop your instructional environment, responses to behaviors, functional academics, and more!
Project Thrive
Listen to this episode about HLPs in general ed. and resource!
Project Onward
Listen to this episode about HLPs in intensive EBD!
Project Bace
Listen to this episode about HLPs in life skills programming!