the teacher-student bond: it matters now more than ever

Teaching is a pretty important job in my opinion. Having to deal with young teens for 5 days a week, and having to keep their attention on a specific lesson they’re learning or need to study for is hard work. 

Teachers and students should have some sort of bond; something that allows a student to feel like they could ask for help on a question or on a lesson they don't understand. Teachers should also do their best to actually interact with the class in a positive way, taking them step by step through the lesson and each problem with clear instructions. 

On the other hand, what I feel is unprofessional is the complete opposite of what I just described. Some teachers just hand students packets and do not go over anything or explain further what the packet is about, and I would like to highlight this poor teaching style.

In my mind, teaching would be described as an adult (or superior) teaching their students about a brand new topic or reviewing something they are familiar with. I know some people, even my friends, may say “oh, you're in high school now, it's going to be more independent.” But there’s something to be said about a teacher not even explaining a book, or how to do the packets they’ve passed out to the class. I feel this approach is very unprofessional, and can hurt students' grades dramatically if they need to hear or see how to do it first. It could be crucial to a student's learning if the teacher interacts with the student and tries to help them to the best of their knowledge instead of just tossing them a packet and telling them it is due on a certain date, sometimes just a few days after it was passed out. This is why having a good teacher-student relationship is important; it can impact students' grades by fostering a supportive and engaging learning space that can encourage their academic growth, self-regulation, and a growth mindset. 

Teachers who have a good bond with their students could also help them feel safe in any given situation. In our current society, mass casualties at school due to dangerous intruders are a real issue, and students already feel stressed or anxious about what could happen on any given day. Being there for the students to reassure them and calm them down can help them through times or could even encourage them to open up about things that are bothering them at school or at home. Teachers who are there for students are crucial to their mental health and learning.

The bond formed at school between teacher and student plays a crucial role in shaping a positive learning environment and supporting academic success. When teachers take the time to explain lessons clearly, offer guidance, and build meaningful connections with their students, it creates a space where students feel valued and empowered to learn. On the other hand, neglecting these responsibilities by handing out packets without instruction can leave students feeling lost and unsupported. A strong teacher-student bond not only enhances academic performance but also provides emotional support, helping students navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom. 

Ultimately, a compassionate and engaged teaching approach can make a lasting difference in students' lives, fostering confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.