Understanding Professional Relationships

Understanding the characteristics of authentic teacher-student relationships is vital to the success of the relationship. In a research study, seven characteristics of quality teacher-student relationships were identified. These were: academic and personal support, showing interest and concern for the student, motivating and attending to their personal interests, respecting the students, valuing their opinions and feelings, being compassionate, and being accessible. Understanding these basic characteristics, teachers find that they have a basic need to interrelate with the students and find a connection. That realization happens when teachers internalize experiences with students and allow that to guide their emotional responses during interactions with the student. 

These emotional responses, whether positive or not, can become the catalyst for improving or diminishing the self-esteem of teacher and student. Therefore, communication plays a critical role in relationship building. One element within our society today is the onset of smart devices and social media. This factor plays an important role in communication and development of both good and bad relationships. Out-of-class communication is less formal than inside the classroom and may be initiated by the student. It is however important to note that whatever the type of communication, the teacher-student relationship still must exist on a professional level to stay authentic. Another factor that teachers must guard against is the thought that they have good relationships with good students. This is not always the case as some students simply are compliant in classrooms because they want the higher grade and the teacher perceived relationship is not authentic. Students report that trust is an integral part of the developing relationship. With trust, caring, and listening as root elements to building the teacher-student relationship, it would be significant to have both the teacher and the student displaying such characteristics. Authentic professional student-teacher relationships are easily established when the characteristics correlate. When students feel valued and connected to their school and teachers, they are more likely to display positive motivation toward learning.

Bottom line is it is important to build healthy relationships so students trust their teachers and school. Until next time...