Creating Positive Expectations in the Classroom

One of the most impactful ways a teacher can interact with their students is by starting and advising a club activity. In particular, I started a club called "Creation Station" at my current Middle School where students can come after school every Monday to engage in creative activities such as coloring, playing with Legos, and playing chess.

Attending a variety of school and community events such as sports games, local carnivals and fairs, curriculum nights and even smaller events like dedication ceremonies or birthday parties will display your commitment not only to your student's education, but their entire well-being as well.

It is imperative that you make yourself available to your students during the day. Allowing students access to you during lunch breaks, prep periods, and after school will help build deeper connections, mutual respect, and a feeling of safety in the classroom.

A direct line of email communication with parents or guardians is imperative for forming the basis of a relationship of mutual trust and respect. When both parties of this symbiotic relationship feel valued, heard, and validated, the student's education and overall health and well-being will flourish.

Just as stated in the Teacher-to-Student section above, attending a variety of school and community events and interacting with parents and students in a non-educational setting is a great way to build real and lasting relationships. When parents know that their child's teacher has their best interests at heart, and indeed vice-versa, a deeper level of trust can be cultivated and nurtured to improve the student's overall education.

Dedicated office hours are an essential component in cultivating a formidable relationship between teachers and their student's families. When there is a consistent flow of information between teachers and families, it is less likely for problematic behavior to occur.