Hello pi learners,

Building Lasting Relationships with Students: A Teacher's Journey

As I enter my seventh year of teaching, I’ve come to deeply understand the importance of building lasting relationships with students. It’s not just about teaching math or preparing students for exams; it’s about creating a space where students feel seen, heard, and supported. Recently, I made a mid-year transfer to a new school, and this shift brought my belief in relationship-building into sharp focus.

Transitioning to a New School

Moving from teaching students I had known since 8th grade to teaching students I had never met before was both exciting and nerve-wracking. It was a significant adjustment for me, and I imagine it was equally unsettling for the students who suddenly found themselves with a new math teacher halfway through the year. To bridge this gap, I prioritized relationship-building from day one.

We started with activities like setting SMART goals, completing get-to-know-you quizzes, and playing fun, accessible math games. These activities helped me learn more about the students and gave them a chance to get to know me as well. Now, two months in, I’m proud to say I’ve built connections. I’ve become the students’ biggest fan at basketball games, I stay after school to help them catch up on concepts they missed earlier in the year, and I’ve even been recommended as a class mentor by the students themselves.

The Foundation of Strong Relationships

While I’m far from perfect, my experiences have taught me that building trust and fostering a positive classroom environment require three key elements:

1. Consistency

Students need to know what to expect from you. Consistency builds stability and reliability, which are crucial in creating a safe and structured environment. Show up every day with the same level of dedication, enforce rules fairly, and follow through on your promises. Whether it’s consistently greeting students at the door or always being available during office hours, small actions repeated over time show students that they can count on you.

Practical Tips for Consistency:

Establish and stick to classroom routines.
Communicate your expectations clearly and follow through.
Be present—physically and emotionally—every day.

2. Build Trust

Trust is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. To earn students’ trust, you must listen actively, show empathy, and respect their individuality. Trust grows when students know they can share their thoughts and struggles without fear of judgment.

Practical Tips for Building Trust:

Have one-on-one conversations with students about their interests and goals.
Be transparent about your teaching methods and decisions.
Admit when you make mistakes and model accountability.

3. Show Up with Love

Students thrive when they feel genuinely cared for. Showing love doesn’t mean being overly lenient; it means demonstrating that you’re invested in their success and well-being. Love can be expressed through encouragement, celebrating their achievements, and offering support when they’re struggling.

Practical Tips for Showing Love:

Celebrate students’ successes, big and small.
Show interest in their lives outside of school, such as asking about their weekend or hobbies.
Be patient and understanding when they face challenges.

Creating Opportunities to Get to Know Your Students

Here are a few ways teachers can use these principles to build connections:

Icebreaker Activities: Start the term with activities like "Two Truths and a Lie" or "Class Bingo" to learn fun facts about your students.
Goal-Setting Exercises: Work with students to set academic and personal goals, and revisit these goals periodically.
Casual Conversations: Dedicate a few minutes each day to talk with students about their interests, part-time jobs, or weekend plans.
Feedback Opportunities: Regularly ask students for feedback on your teaching and classroom environment to show you value their input.
Celebrations: Recognize birthdays, sports achievements, or even improvements in math scores to create a supportive atmosphere.

Reflecting on Relationship-Building

To continually grow as a teacher, it’s important to reflect on how you’re checking in with students and building those relationships. Take some time to think about the following:

What are three specific ways I can check in with my students regularly?
How am I showing students that I care about their success both academically and personally?
In what ways can I improve consistency, trust, and love in my classroom?

Fill in the blanks with your own ideas:

I will check in with students by ___________________________.
I can build trust with my students by _______________________.
I will show love to my students by ________________________.

Mid-Year Feedback: Questions for a Google Form

Mid-year feedback is a valuable tool to understand how students perceive the classroom environment and your teaching. Here are 10 questions you can use to check in with students:

What is something you like about this class?
Is there anything that makes learning challenging for you in this class?
Do you feel like your opinions are heard and valued? Why or why not?
What is one thing I could do to help you succeed in this class?
Do you feel comfortable asking questions when you don’t understand something? Why or why not?
What has been your favorite activity or lesson so far?
Is there anything you wish we did more of in this class?
Do you feel like you have the support you need to succeed? If not, what’s missing?
What is something you’ve learned in this class that you’re proud of?
How would you describe our classroom environment in three words?

The Impact of Relationships

In just two months, I’ve witnessed how prioritizing relationships transforms the classroom environment. Students feel more comfortable asking questions, collaborating with peers, and tackling challenging problems. More importantly, they know I’m their advocate, both inside and outside the classroom.

As educators, our influence extends far beyond academic lessons. By being consistent, building trust, and showing love, we create a foundation that empowers students to grow not just as learners, but as individuals. Remember: they’re not just looking for a teacher—they’re looking for someone who believes in them, supports them, and shows up for them every day.