Strong classroom communities don’t happen by accident—they’re built through intentional, daily practices that prioritize connection.

In this second episode of the Starting Strong series, Dr. Catlin Tucker explores how getting to know your students and creating a culture of belonging can transform your classroom environment. She shares practical strategies for learning names quickly, surfacing student identities, and building peer-to-peer relationships that last beyond the first week. Whether you're a new or veteran teacher, this episode offers tools to help you lead with relationships. Learn how you can go deeper with Catlin’s new self-paced course, Starting Strong.