#181: Stop Calling It Collaboration When It’s Just Compliance: How Leaders Can Tell the Difference Between Real and Fake Collaboration

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In this episode of Coaching the Whole Educator, Becca Silver sits down with Kurtis Hewson, co founder of Jigsaw Learning, to break down what truly drives authentic collaboration in schools. Kurtis explains why many teams think they are “collaborating” when they are actually stuck in compliance based routines that drain energy and limit impact. He shares how real collaboration begins with co created clarity. Teams need a shared understanding of why they meet, how they meet, and what success looks like.

Kurtis introduces the Collaborative Response Framework, a research informed, four layer model that helps schools organize people, strengthen problem solving, and respond to student needs with intention. He describes how leaders can shift from “set it and forget it” structures to predictable, purposeful collaboration that continues even when the leader leaves the room. The conversation highlights practical strategies for building norms, addressing dominant voices, creating psychological safety, and preventing teams from falling into the agreement pit.

This episode is filled with actionable insights for instructional coaches, school leaders, and educators who want to move beyond surface level collaboration and build teams that think together, problem solve together, and take ownership together. Listeners will walk away with clear steps to strengthen team culture, increase collective efficacy, and support meaningful change in their schools.

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