What a coincidence it is that the day after I started writing my last blog entitled Relationships, Relationships, Relationships! that I continued my reading of Innovator’s Mindset and the chapter happened to be Relationships, Relationships, Relationships. Or maybe it was not a coincidence……
As I read more and interact with other educators on Twitter everything keeps coming back to relationships! When I started teaching 21 years ago that was my belief from day one….. Relationships change things. It has always been one of the main reasons why I have continued to teach. I love building the relationships with my students and their families. I believe that relationships are the key to unlocking the full potential in a child. Sometimes I hear “we do not have time to do that” but how can you not have time? We have to invest the time. When we build the relationship then we establish the trust and confidence in our students and ultimately we will be amazed at the outcome!
One idea I loved while reading this chapter of Innovator’s Mindset was the section entitled “Classroom Teacher Versus School Teacher”. Couros says classroom teachers do great things within their classroom and will do great things with their students. But School teachers do all of the above. They consider every student in the school as their own. School teachers see supervision as an opportunity, not a chore, because it is time to connect with other students and get to know them on a different level. Wow! that is powerful. I do not think many teachers think of it that way. I know I am guilty of dreading the ‘ol recess duty but if I change my perspective and look at it from the viewpoint of a “school teacher” then I think I may begin to look forward to it. I know I enjoy standing in the hallway at the beginning of the day and greeting all students, not just my own. There is nothing better than seeing a child from another grade or class smile because I greeted him or her by name. My principal has a visible presence in our school. He is outside at the beginning of school, at recesses , lunch and after school. He is building relationships…. not only with students but parents and staff as well. The community appreciates that! I appreciate it!
“If we want meaningful change, we have to make a connection to the heart before we can make a connection to the mind. ” Building relationships leads to trust that leads to the empowerment of students and staff alike.