What’s the most important thing you have learned in your careers about teaching students?
Answer: We’ve learned that building strong, meaningful relationships with students is by far the most important component in engaging, inspiring and motivating students to do their best, be their best, and feel proud of all their efforts. This year we built outstanding relationships with our students, families, colleagues and community by truly listening to their needs, interests and hopes for a year like none other. We’ve thought outside the box, saw challenges as opportunities, and have created an online learning experience where students feel they belong and are part of something very special. Relationships mean the world to us.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your career about teaching students?
Answer: The importance of building relationships. The relationships I have created between my students and I make me a more effective educator. The relationship signals to my students that I care about them as a person, more than I care about their homework, assessments or grades. This foundation helps us, both teacher and students, build a classroom community focused on respect and learning. If my students forget everything I teach but remember that I care about them, that’s a win in my book.
How do you motivate yourself every day?