Building Relationships by Showing that You Care

I work with pre-service teachers. I’m working with three groups right now. One group just started the program and they are eager to begin their journey of learning and teaching.  They will have their first classroom field experiences in a couple of weeks. A second group is preparing for their second field experience, and the third group begins student teaching Monday! I’m excited for all of them.

In recent conversations and classroom discussions, many have shared their anxiety– their first day jitters. Especially those who are student teaching are worried. “Am I ready?” “Can I really do this?” All of my students know the value I put on building relationships with students (and colleagues). We’ve spent a great deal of time in class discussing this and modeling appropriate ways to get to know students and build relationships of respect. I am thrilled when I read literature, research, or other educator’s…