In specifically looking at how teachers build relationships with students, it all starts on the very first day of school, or possibly earlier if the teacher and student have both been at the same school previously to placement in the class. However, in assuming there is no prior knowledge of one another, teachers will often begin the year with “get to know you” activities. For example my co-operative teacher asks for family photos and has a family wall that remains throughout the year. She regularly sends out a class newsletter, constantly posts on Seesaw, and invites families to come speak on certain topics and share “how it was for them”. She updates class photos on a bulletin board in the classroom, does various activities about what they do outside of school (for example: family trees, “memories of winter break”), but most of all, she takes a genuine interests in each and every one of her students. Another way teachers build relationships with students is by learning, understanding, respecting, and honouring each students’ individual needs and the different ways in which they each acquire knowledge—or ways of knowing.
As for educators to build their own knowledge, I learned that teachers are given a list at the beginning of the year with various options for their professional development and/or continuing education. They are encouraged to attend one per year and look forward to attending. These development days often show them new curriculum, new teaching strategies, child psychology, behaviour awareness and management strategies, and so much more. They have “Learning Improvement Days” once a month and throughout the year. However, many teachers often find one of the best ways in building their own professional knowledge is from one another—collaboratively!