The relationships I create as an educator must be guided by positive and mutual respect. I believe that the relationships formed within the classroom are one of the leading factors to successful learning for both student and teacher. A student must feel valued and heard and they must enjoy being at school to engage wholeheartedly in their educational journey. Learning will occur more effortlessly and genuinely when the attitudes and interactions of the participants are positive and engaging. Research shows that constructive teacher student relationships have a major affect on a student’s ability to succeed in school. I strongly believe that the creation of a positive teacher student relationship relies heavily on the time and effort put in by the teacher to bond with their students. As an educator I will strive to find common interests with my students and set time aside from my day to make it known to my students that I care, that they matter, and that together we can get through anything. Children need to know that they are not alone, that it is okay to make mistakes, and that they have someone who supports and want the best for them.
In creating meaningful relationships with my students I will be sure to allow time throughout every day for students to share anything that is on their mind. I will remind my students daily that my door is always open and they are always welcome to come talk to me. Around the classroom I will create an environment that feels safe and welcoming with many different areas for students learn in different ways. An important part of creating a positive teach student relationship is ensuring that the teacher is doing whatever is needed for the student to successfully learn. Differentiating is a key way to show that you are aware of the needs of your students and are willing to make changes to structure or lessons to help the student learn in a way that is most beneficial to them. I also believe that student’s will be better able to show me what they know if they are hearing positive feedback. Into lessons I will incorporate assessments like the “2 stars, 1 wish” feedback so that my students are made aware of all the great things they are doing as well as receiving constructive criticism to help them continue succeeding.
When student’s feel safe and valued within their classroom, they will want to be at school. If I can be a positive factor in a young student’s life that helps to motivate regular attendance at school then I am doing something right as an educator. Teacher’s should be someone who the student’s look forward to seeing everyday and who helps students see and understand the importance of education. Reaching these goals with my student’s also means that I must create strong, respectful relationships with each student’s guardian. One of my jobs as an educator will be to make sure the parents and guardians of my student’s are well-informer of what is going on in the classroom and that check-ins are offered regularly, not only when concerns arise.
At the beginning of each school year I believe it is important to reach out to each of my student’s families and thank them for the wonderful child they have brought into my classroom. Relationships need to begin forming right from the beginning and must always start on a positive note. I will take the time to personally reach out to each parent and relay a positive message about how awesome their child is so that the first time they here from me is not with negative or unfortunate news. It is my responsibility as the teacher to make initial contact with my student’s parents and to continue to regularly do so throughout the school year. Whether through letters, emails, remind texts, or resources such as Seesaw, I will be sure to include parents in the happenings of our classroom and to show the care I have in helping their children succeed.
In the same respect, I will be mindful of my colleagues and will strive to create professional relationships which provide opportunities for meaningful collaboration and support. I strongly believe that teacher’s need to work together to succeed within their careers because this is not a job one can do alone. Creating respected and positive relationships with colleagues allows for an abundance of future opportunities in classroom collaborations and mutual professional development. It is also important for teachers to have colleagues within the school who are outlets and supports on those difficult days. When things aren’t going as planned teachers need to have somewhere they can go to talk about the struggles and gain advice for improvement. I look forward to sharing my journey as an educator alongside the many amazing teachers I will meet.