Embedded Files
Written by Isabella Harbeson
March 2022
Coming to school for eight hours a day, five days a week, is a challenging task for both students and teachers. To make it interesting, however, it is always a great benefit to have a certain person–or class–to look forward to. In this way, students are motivated to participate in class activities and socialize with others in school.
With this in mind, the article“The Importance of Strong Relationships,” written by The Education Trust and MDRC, suggests that strong relationships between students, teachers, and other school staff will “dramatically enhance students' level of motivation and therefore promote learning.” This article also states that students who have strong relationships are more academically engaged, demonstrate stronger social skills, and show signs of more positive behavior than those without connections.
25,400 of students from grades 6-12, in different school districts throughout America, took a survey on this topic. The results of this survey revealed that less than a third of middle schoolers overall had strong relationships with their teachers. The statistics dropped as much as 16% by the time students had reached 12th grade. This survey was to see what percentage of students had strong relationships with teachers- since it has so many benefits.
This type of information highlights why it's so important for teachers to make sure they are developing strong relationships with their students. With this in mind, multiple Springfield High School teachers offered some tips and tricks that increase teacher-student connections.
Math teacher Lila Graham has been teaching at SHS for seven years. Instructing in Algebra, Statistics, and computer science this year, Graham prides herself on her ability to get to know and to get along with students. In fact, she makes it her goal to connect with as many students as she can.
“I think that one of the easiest habits I have developed is to start class on Monday by asking students about their weekends,” she said as she explained her strategy for connecting with her students. “And I start class on a Friday by asking about their plans for the weekend.”
Graham added that she makes sure to listen to her students and asks questions about what they share. In this way, she wants her students to feel safe and supported.
“I like to be silly with my students,” Graham added, as she outlined another way she connects with kids. “When students feel safe and supported, I get a sense of who I can tease a little and pick on. I don’t know why this works [for connection], but it does.”
SHS physical education instructor and art teacher Brad Houk has been teaching since 1996. He has had a diverse career with time spent teaching at an ordnance college in Shijiazhuang Hebei Province. P.R (People's Republic) of China, Quaker school in Dinétah, New Mexico, and various small colleges. Houk has made strong connections throughout his career in the classroom. In fact, he is still in contact with many of his former students.
“A big part of teaching, at least the connecting part, is sharing,” Houk said. “It is important to share with students who you are as a person. That happens by taking risks. Being vulnerable. Sharing meaningful stories and connecting through stories.”
SHS physical education teacher Victor Cucullo–who has been teaching for 6 years, the last four at Springfield High School–also has techniques for connecting with students. This year, Cucullo works with Personal Fitness, Offseason Training, Lifetime Activities, Introduction to P.E., and Team Sports. Cucullo has connected with various students throughout his time teaching.
“I try to be fun and educational,” he said. “This helps build rapport and solid connections.”
Cucullo has specific advice for new teachers or those who seek to connect with students. “Practice what you preach,” he said. “Being a role model is crucial and if you set a good example, people will notice and try to follow in your footsteps.”
Based on what these teachers said, for educational professionals it's clear that the best way to connect and build relationships with students is through talking, listening, being vulnerable, setting good examples, and most importantly, making jokes and sharing a laugh.
SHS 9th grader Juliette Hill believes that connections are important. “It makes school more fun,” Hill said.
Senior Emily Chamberlin agrees. “When teachers and students have strong connections, education leaves so much more of an imprint on students,” Chamberlin concluded. “Also, having connections with teachers helps students connect with learning and learn to love it.”
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