Other Core Teaching Practices:
Building Respectful Relationships
The teachers’ relationship with students are the cornerstone of everything that happens within the classroom —good or bad. There have been numerous studies that have shown that there are less behavioral issues and students also perform better academically when they have a mutually respectful relationship with their teacher. Greeting them at the door, going to sporting events/musicals, and taking interest in their interests are all ways that I show them that I take pride in being attentive with the aspects of their lives that they share with me.
Communicating with Parents/Caregivers
It is important to highlight the positives in all situations. Whether it comes to parent teacher conferences or just a simple email reaching out to the parents of a student that you recognize in some aspect as excelling or trying really hard in or outside of the classroom. Everyone deserves to be recognized and as a parent it is always excellent to hear when your child is doing wonderful things in school, not just when they are in trouble. I believe that if you have solid and respectful communications with all family members you are doing what you are supposed to to foster a safe and nurturing environment for their child and your student. All humans deserve to be validated and that can come through letting the parents know that you recognize all of the hard work that they and their child are putting in.
