KSA #8: Relationships
When asked the question "Do you think it is important for your students to like you?" I will always answer yes. Students don't learn from teachers that they don't like, and I think this is directly related to creating positive relationships with students. It is not that the teacher must be their friend, and they have to like everything that they do in class, but that they have a positive relationship with the teacher of mutual respect.
I found that creating relationships with my students not only made their learning better, but it made me more comfortable teaching the class. I was more myself because I had created these relationships with my students. One way that I found was a very positive way of recognizing those relationships was sending students cards throughout the semester. In my second Professional Semester, my school had a program where teachers could send individual students greeting cards to recognize something about that student. I thought that this was an awesome way to solidify those relationships with students and to let them know that they are noticed by you. I tried to send out these cards at least twice a week because I felt that there was so much that my students were doing that deserved recognition.
I found that creating relationships with my students not only made their learning better, but it made me more comfortable teaching the class. I was more myself because I had created these relationships with my students. One way that I found was a very positive way of recognizing those relationships was sending students cards throughout the semester. In my second Professional Semester, my school had a program where teachers could send individual students greeting cards to recognize something about that student. I thought that this was an awesome way to solidify those relationships with students and to let them know that they are noticed by you. I tried to send out these cards at least twice a week because I felt that there was so much that my students were doing that deserved recognition.
"She established a very warm and caring environment with the students at all times, yet she was able to maintain a level of high expectations and respect with students."
- PS3 Teacher Associate
- PS3 Teacher Associate
"Her calm demeanor allowed her to develop positive relationships with her students and colleagues."
- PS2 Teacher Associate
- PS2 Teacher Associate
"Melissa develops an excellent rapport with her students and always acts in a positive, warm manner with the children. She brings much joy to the classroom."
- PS1 Teacher Associate
- PS1 Teacher Associate