As the new school year approaches, I want to offer some heartfelt encouragement to my fellow educators. In the whirlwind of test scores, student achievement, growth rubrics, lesson plans, and the countless other responsibilities we carry, there’s one vital aspect that underpins it all—building relationships with our students.
It’s easy to see our students as reflections of our competence as educators. I remember when my first graders would occasionally lose their composure in the hallway. Once we were safely back in the classroom, I’d have a serious talk with them—partly to ensure they understood how to behave, but also because, like many of us, I knew their actions were a reflection of me. What I allowed, what I didn’t, and how quickly I addressed issues all contributed to my reputation as a teacher.
Sadly, our students’ test scores often become another reflection of us. Whether they had a rough morning on test day, stayed up late playing video games, or struggled with test anxiety they couldn’t fully express, their performance still reflects our competence. With the myriad tasks we juggle each day, it’s all too easy to forget that our students are more than numbers—they are individuals, with hopes, fears, and dreams of their own.
We must remember that our students are people, not just measuring sticks. The true impact we have on them may never be fully recognized or appreciated, but it’s there. As society increasingly reduces students to data points, we must resist that trend. We must see them as the unique individuals they are.
As you step into this new school year, I encourage you to prioritize building meaningful relationships with your students. There are countless reasons why doing so leads to a successful year, but the most important reason is simple: they are people. People who look up to you, who have been entrusted to your care for the next ten months, and who will carry the impact of your influence for the rest of their lives.
I can still name every one of my teachers. I remember their personalities, their attitudes, and the ways they made me feel—both the good and the bad. Some inspired me. Some cared about me as a person. Others, perhaps, saw me as just another name on a list. But the ones who went above and beyond to show that I mattered—I’ll never forget them.
Building relationships doesn’t have to dominate your classroom time. It can be as simple as asking a student what they had for dinner last night or mentioning that you checked out their favorite YouTuber. But I believe it’s crucial to take time during the first week of school to meet with each student individually, giving them your undivided attention and showing them that you see them. If you’re not doing this, ask yourself, “Do I really want to?” When something truly matters to us, we find the time to make it happen.
So, ask yourself—are your students people or measuring sticks? Are they individuals deserving of your love and attention, or are they merely test scores?
Now, as an education consultant, I spend days traveling to schools. My time with students is limited, and I’m expected to deliver results. There’s a heavy emphasis on data collection during my visits, and I understand the investment schools make in bringing me in.
But even in these brief periods, I still find time to connect with students. I make it a point to remember their names and find ways to connect, even if I’ll only see them for a few days during the school year. This past semester, my students were simply amazing, and the photos below show just what’s possible when students know you care about them—not just their performance.
Candy from a student on my final day
A sweet note left on the board by a student
On a more somber note, I recently learned that a former student of mine was charged with murder. My heart sank. I couldn’t help but wonder—what was my relationship like with that student? Too often, when I hear this type of news about former students, I realize our connection wasn’t genuine. I didn’t know their hobbies, their favorite shows, what made them angry, or what excited them. I didn’t know them.
I wish I had. I wish I had taken the time to truly connect, to be the teacher they could remember as someone who cared about them as a person, not just as a student. I wish I had made that difference. Yes, I had long to-do lists, ever-increasing responsiblities, and other students who often diverted my attention. Yet, I wish I had slowed down during the school day hustle and bustle to truly connect with them and make a difference.
As this school year begins, I urge you to take the time to build relationships with your students. It will not only make your year smoother, but it can also help your students achieve more than you ever thought possible.
To learn more about building quality relationships with students, click here to read a collection of responses from teachers who have made relationship-building a cornerstone of their classroom communities.
Thank you for impacting America's greatest assets, and I hope you have the best school year yet!
Kathy Smith is a former elementary teacher and instructional coach. She enjoys creating fun educational resources for students and inspiring teachers to harness the power of their creativity to foster student engagement.
コメント