The teacher who made the biggest impact on you likely stands out because of the strong relationship you shared. That connection fostered trust, respect, and a desire to learn. You can be that teacher for your students by mindfully and purposefully cultivating strong relationships. This isn’t just about being “nice”; it’s about creating a learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to succeed. As I discuss in Teach Up!: Empowering Education through Relationships, Rigor, and Relevance, the foundation of effective teaching lies in building meaningful connections with students. These connections are the bedrock upon which rigor and relevance are built.

1. Share Your Humanity:

While maintaining appropriate boundaries, sharing aspects of yourself can humanize you in the eyes of your students. It helps them see you as a person, not just an authority figure. Sharing anecdotes about your life, family (if you’re comfortable), and hobbies can create points of connection. For example, mentioning your weekend tennis game, as I did, can spark conversations and show students that you have interests outside of school. This can be especially impactful for younger students who appreciate hearing stories about your children or pets. However, it’s crucial to ensure these shares are brief, relevant, and focused on building connection, not on oversharing personal details.

2. Know Your Students:

Truly knowing your students goes beyond memorizing names. It involves understanding their interests, passions, and even their challenges. Take the time to talk to them about their lives outside of school. What are their favorite books? What do they do on weekends? What are their hopes and dreams? This information not only helps you tailor your instruction to their interests but also demonstrates that you genuinely care about them as individuals. Understanding their family dynamics (with sensitivity and respect) can provide valuable insights into their behavior and potential needs. As students discover shared interests, they begin to see you as someone who understands them, fostering mutual respect and connection. This closeness, as discussed in Teach Up!, is crucial for understanding student moods and temperaments, allowing you to be more attuned to their emotional well-being.

3. Invest Quality Time:

Dedicated one-on-one time can make a significant difference, especially for students with whom you’re struggling to connect. Use those interstitial moments – before school, during transitions, lunch, or after school – to engage with individual students. A simple “How was your evening?” or “How’s your day going?” can open the door to deeper conversations. Follow-up questions show genuine interest and encourage students to share. Checking in with students who are struggling academically or emotionally demonstrates your support and can provide a safe space for them to confide in you. These interactions, as highlighted in Teach Up!, offer students a different perspective of you outside the formal classroom setting.

4. Set High Expectations with Support:

High expectations, when coupled with genuine support, communicate belief in students’ potential. It’s not about being “mean” or unapproachable; it’s about challenging students to reach their full capacity. Students respect teachers who believe in them and push them to achieve more than they thought possible. This belief, combined with the support to meet those expectations, fosters self-confidence and resilience. It’s about creating a culture of growth where students feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes.

5. Make Learning Engaging:

While curriculum alignment is essential, it’s equally important to make learning enjoyable. Engaged students are more likely to learn and retain information. Incorporate novelty and fun into your lessons. This doesn’t mean sacrificing rigor; it means finding creative ways to present material and make it relevant to students’ lives. If you’re feeling uninspired, explore resources like Pinterest for fresh ideas. A classroom filled with laughter and engagement is a classroom where learning thrives.

The Impact of Strong Relationships:

Strong student-teacher relationships have a profound impact on student success:

  • Increased Attendance: Students are more likely to attend school when they feel connected to their teachers and peers.
  • Increased Achievement: Engagement and motivation soar when students feel supported and valued. They are more willing to tackle challenging tasks when they know their teacher believes in them.
  • Increased Assurance: Strong relationships build students’ confidence and self-esteem. They feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
  • Increased Appropriate Behavior: Students are more likely to behave appropriately for teachers they respect and admire.

Building strong relationships is an investment that yields immeasurable returns. It fosters trust, respect, and a love of learning. As students navigate their lives, they will carry with them the lessons learned from these positive relationships, understanding that authority figures can be trusted and that they have the power to build meaningful connections with others. I encourage you to implement these strategies and share your experiences. Let’s learn from each other and create classrooms where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.