Thankfully the teacher’s role has evolved from the days of standing before a class who were all facing the front in precisely placed desks & rows. 

The teacher & text books were the main provider of knowledge and each child was expected to absorb and practise their skills because practise made perfect. 

It was mostly a one size fits all approach. You did your work, you did as you were told, you did well.

One of the great changes to come from the evolution in education is the transformation of the teacher’s role. Teachers and students should no longer be seen top to bottom but now side by side.

Developing positive relationships between a teacher and student is a fundamental aspect of quality teaching and student learning. 

Students who feel a sense of belonging & being valued are more confident to take risks in their learning and feel comfortable in their surroundings.

Research shows there are several influences related to effective learning and achievement and noted the importance of a positive and supportive classroom environment, combined with positive relationships between teachers and their students.

Trust can be built by making decisions together as a class, asking for your students’ opinions & letting them have choice.  Time for class discussions & sharing allows your students to have a voice and feel they are valued.

Each child in your class feels special when you quickly learn their name & correct pronunciation and show respect by referring to each of them by their name.

Forming strong relationships comes from being a good listener. Really listen in by focusing on the child, asking questions about their interests & lives & take interest in their answer. 

Children need to see that you care, that you are willing to put the time & effort and be there for them, 

They need to feel you are someone they can trust and are not going to give up on them. 

Mentions

Jay Billy Elementary Principal & author of Lead with Culture (Dave Burgess Publishing)

@JayBilly2 on twitter

Laurie McIntosh: @mrsmacskinders and also @lauriemcintosh on Instagram & Twitter

Tom Hierck: teacher, author, motivational speaker, administrator, district leader, department of education project leader

Ceri @ourcreativeclassroom on Instagram

Sarah @giftedandtalentedteacher on Instagram