Today our guest is Alex Kajitani the 2009 California Teacher of the Year and also The Rappin' Mathematician.

We talk to Alex about the foundational role that relationships play in education. He unpacks the three essential components every relationship must have and highlights the different types of relationships students navigate daily—with themselves, their peers, the adults on campus, and the content they're learning. Alex challenges the common belief that confidence leads to competence, offering a powerful reframe. He leaves us with a compelling reminder: the simple act of consistently showing up can make a profound difference in a student's life.

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Alex Kajitani is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is the author of several books, including Owning It, which **was named "Recommended Reading" by the U.S. Department of Education. He also has a new book out, for new teachers, titled "You're a Teacher Now! What's Next?" and it's getting rave reviews.

Alex is known around the world as "The Rappin' Mathematician, has a popular TED Talk, and was honored at The White House. He was also featured on The CBS Evening News, where Katie Couric exclaimed, "I LOVE that guy!" (and you will too!). For more info, visit www.AlexKajitani.com