There was an invitation to collaborate?
Yet, upon arrival at the event, it was clear that one's ideas were not welcome and rather than collaboration, it was an invitation to complete a task that was already outlined, chosen, dictated, and prescribed. One's ideas, interests, experiences, and knowledge were not welcome--it was not a collaborative event, but instead a secretarial prescription.
When thinking about teacher voice, choice, and leadership, it's essential that we understand what it means to collaborate. Collaboration welcomes the voices of all in a team and invites the kind of teamwork where those involved define the purpose and set the course together.