“A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron.” -Horace Mann

Connecting Educators to their Students through Building Relationships By: Simone John-Vanderpool Independent Research G/T

Gulen Youth 2014 Essay Contest  Gulen Institute is a non- profit organization  Essay Topic : What Role should State and Non- Profit Agencies Play in the Education of Disadvantaged Youth who are not reaching their full potential

Studies in Autism Education  Linwood Center students have strong relationships with their teachers  Teachers and staff genuinely care about their students  Improving student teacher relationships requires effort from both the student and the teacher

Studies In Sanskrit Education The ancient Indian tradition of guru-shishya The ancient Indian tradition of guru-shishya A strong developing relationship must be present for advanced concepts to be conveyed to students A strong developing relationship must be present for advanced concepts to be conveyed to students The relationship must consist of: respect, commitment, devotion, and obedience The relationship must consist of: respect, commitment, devotion, and obedience

Statistics from CHS Gallup Poll On a National Gallup Poll Survey, Centennial students rated “receiving a word of praise or encouragement for their work from a teacher” a 3.12 on a scale of 1-5 On a National Gallup Poll Survey, Centennial students rated “receiving a word of praise or encouragement for their work from a teacher” a 3.12 on a scale of 1-5 The overall district rating was a 3.47 The overall district rating was a 3.47 On the same survey, Centennial Students rated “My school is committed to building the strengths of each student” a 3.59 on a scale of 1-5 On the same survey, Centennial Students rated “My school is committed to building the strengths of each student” a 3.59 on a scale of 1-5 The overall district rating was 3.91 The overall district rating was % of students feel the best thing about Centennial is the staff 66.5% of students feel the best thing about Centennial is the staff The National Employee Gallup Poll taken at Centennial Shows….. The National Employee Gallup Poll taken at Centennial Shows…..  32% of teachers are actively engaged  56% of teachers are not engaged  12% of teachers are actively disengaged

Defining Strong Student-Teacher Relationships According to the American Psychological Association a Positive Teacher- Student Relationship looks like Teachers… Showing their pleasure and enjoyment of students. Interacting in a responsive and respectful manner. Offering students help (e.g., answering questions in timely manner, offering support that matches the children's needs) in achieving academic and social objectives. Helping students reflect on their thinking and learning skills. Knowing and demonstrating knowledge about individual students' backgrounds, interests, emotional strengths and academic levels. Seldom showing irritability or aggravation toward student

Helping Teachers Understand their Students  According to the APA, teachers who develop positive relationships with their students create classroom environments more conducive to learning and meeting student’s developmental, emotional, and academic needs.  High school students with frequent disciplinary issues tend to act out less when they feel they have a teacher they can trust (Gregory& Ripsky, 2008)  Students who have strong, positive relationships with teachers are more engaged academically. (Klem & Connell, 2004)

Student Quotes Some ideas from students on how teachers can improve their relationships with them…

Conclusions Positive relationships with students allow for teachers to create lessons that their students can relate to and therefore have an increased comprehension of the subject matter Positive relationships with students allow for teachers to create lessons that their students can relate to and therefore have an increased comprehension of the subject matter Having an teacher as a mentor can improve the social and emotional growth of students Having an teacher as a mentor can improve the social and emotional growth of students It is important that the student and the teacher both contribute to their relationship by having respect for one another. It is important that the student and the teacher both contribute to their relationship by having respect for one another.

A Plan of Action 1. Creating a survey. 1. Having teachers send out “Positive Postcards”. 1. Creating a week for scheduled student-teacher conferences (without parent involvement).