Written by David Bielik
When I first began my teaching career, a mentor shared a piece of advice his own mentor had passed down to him. He told me, “David, students won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This principle holds true not only in individual teacher-student interactions but also at the school-wide and district-wide levels. At its core, building relationships with students goes beyond just supporting their emotional health, it’s about fulfilling a fundamental human need for connection and belonging. When students feel connected to their school and the adults in their lives, they are more likely to engage in learning, take risks, and persist through challenges.
Innovative Solutions to Foster Relationships
To promote relationship building, schools can start with the teachers and staff within their own buildings. Professional development programs for educators are essential in helping teachers foster these important relationships. Teachers are the adults students see every day, and they have the greatest opportunity to make an impact on their lives. Training staff on how to build authentic, supportive relationships is critical for creating an environment where all students feel valued and understood.
By building partnerships with local businesses, civic leaders, and community organizations, schools can extend their reach and offer students more opportunities to engage with their community at large. These relationships help students see the broader context for their education and build a network of support that extends beyond the classroom, giving them a sense of purpose and direction.
Technology, when used meaningfully, can help students create meaningful relationships (well beyond their immediate community) that were once limited by geography or socioeconomic status. Virtual mentorship programs, for instance, can connect students with industry professionals, offering guidance and support that may not have been accessible in their local community. These connections can have a profound impact on both their academic and social outcomes.
The Impact of Building Strong Student Relationships
At Deo Mwano Consultancy (DMC), we have seen time and time again that strengthening student relationships in their schools and with their communities is key to improving the overall student experience. By focusing on the development of meaningful and lasting relationships, we empower students to become dynamic, engaged members of their school communities and, ultimately, of their broader civic communities. This not only creates stronger, more resilient students but also contributes to the development of stronger, more connected communities.
The DMC Learning Success Team has over 30 years of combined experience in education, teaching in K-12 settings, and supporting learning success in college/university settings. Drawing from these experiences, DMC is committed to providing resources and tools related to our current work, which involves helping educational partners improve their culture through intentional and scalable solutions.