Building relationships, human-centered approach to teaching, unorthodox teaching methods, unapologetic authenticity, having fun and experiencing joy as an educator

On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie welcomes educator and author Dwayne Reed to discuss the importance of building meaningful connections with students. Dwayne shares his unique journey into education, starting with his viral music video, Welcome to the 4th Grade, and highlights the transformative impact of being authentic in the classroom. He offers practical strategies for relationship-building, emphasizing the importance of meeting students where they are and treating them as individuals. Discover how Dwayne’s philosophy, outlined in his book Be THAT Teacher: Rehumanizing Education with Unapologetic Authenticity, can inspire educators and speech-language pathologists alike to foster trust, growth and joy in their work.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

1. Why is authenticity so important in education?
2. Everything good about life comes through humanity, not policy; how does this apply to education?
3. What exactly does it mean to be THAT teacher and how can others do it?
4. For those who say that, "Building relationships with students" is an empty platitude that administrators give their teachers, what's your response?
5. What makes your book, Be THAT Teacher, special, noteworthy, or valuable to the every day teacher or administrator, and why should anyone purchase it?

Here’s what we learned:

• Building trust with students starts with authenticity and connection. 
• Treating students as individuals, not data points, fosters respect and engagement. 
• Small gestures, like remembering details about a student, can have a big impact. 
• Creating a supportive, human-centered classroom culture leads to long-term success. 
• Encouraging students to embrace their uniqueness builds confidence and self-worth.
• Holding students accountable with grace and understanding strengthens relationships. 

Learn more about Dwayne Reed 
Website: tmreed.com
Instagram: @teachmrreed
Book: Be That Teacher by Dwayne Reed

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

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