As an introduction to this special issue of "The Rural Educator" on the topic of collaboration, I provide examples of how collaboration offers promise as a partnership solution to current and future education challenges of rural schools and their communities. Highlights of two literature reviews establish a historical context for collaboration. Specific examples of collaboration in rural education practice from the literature set the stage for a summary of the four articles included in the special issue. Last, five questions are posed that if answered could demonstrate the potential value of collaboration to advance research, innovation and practice in rural education.