Ryan Cunningham of Michigan works as a Superintendent of Schools, with over 23 years of experience in communication, strategic planning, team building, and budget management within education. He also is passionate about athletics, a former football player, and serves his community through charitable work. In the following article, Ryan Cunningham discusses the positive benefits of student-teacher relationships, and how educational leaders and administrators can implement this approach in the classroom.

Why is it so important to create a positive student-teacher relationship?

Ryan Cunningham of Michigan says that the answer lies in increased academic success for students, with them feeling much more confident to be able to access the lesson. By focusing on soft skills such as kindness and empathy, teachers are also able to implement more high-level instruction strategies much more effectively, leading to better student outcomes. Ryan Cunningham, Superintendent Details the Benefits Below:

• Increased Engagement

Ryan Cunningham of Michigan says that when students have positive relationships with their teachers, they are more likely to feel connected to the classroom and the learning process. They tend to be more engaged, motivated, and enthusiastic about their studies, which leads to increased participation and a willingness to put in the effort to succeed.

• A Safe Learning Environment

Positive teacher-student relationships contribute to the creation of a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Ryan Cunningham, Superintendent notes that when students feel comfortable and safe in the classroom, they are more likely to take risks, ask questions, and actively participate in discussions. This collaborative atmosphere fosters better comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Improved Communication

Effective communication is crucial for learning. Positive teacher-student relationships promote open lines of communication, allowing students to express their thoughts, concerns, and questions freely. Ryan Cunningham, Superintendent says that teachers who actively listen and respond with empathy create an environment where students feel heard and understood, making them more likely to highlight any challenges they may be experiencing.

• Increased Confidence

Ryan Cunningham, Superintendent also states that strong academic relationships can significantly influence students' self-beliefs and confidence in their abilities. When teachers establish a supportive and encouraging relationship, students are more likely to develop a positive self-perception and belief in themselves. This can lead to higher levels of motivation and resilience, allowing students to overcome challenges in their learning.

• Social and Emotional Development

Strong relationships contribute to students' social and emotional development as well. When students feel valued, respected, and supported by their teachers, they experience a sense of belonging and emotional security. This positive emotional climate can reduce stress, anxiety, and behavior problems, thereby enabling students to focus on their studies and perform better academically.

• Personalized Support

Good teacher-student relationships allow educators to understand students' strengths, weaknesses, and individual learning styles. This knowledge enables teachers to provide personalized support and tailored instruction to meet students' specific needs to enhance their learning experience and academic performance.

How to Promote Positive Teacher-Student Relationships

• Focus on Soft Skills as Well as the Hard Ones

Ryan Cunningham of Michigan says that findings from a study carried out by the University of Missouri found that teachers who paid an equal focus to soft skills such as kindness, empathy, and other prosocial behaviors had better academic outcomes than teachers that just focused on the hard skills of reading, writing, and the subject matter.

• Use More High-Impact Teaching Strategies

According to the above mentioned study, students who reported having a positive relationship with their teacher also saw more high-impact teaching strategies (HITS) being used in the classroom. High-impact teaching strategies can be incredibly effective in increasing student outcomes, but they also come with a considerable level of effort. By creating a caring and nurturing environment in the classroom, teachers are able to engage these tactics much easier and on a much more frequent basis.

• Make Learning a Two-Way Street

By encouraging collaboration and discussion within lessons, teachers can help to build essential skills for their students, including compromise, empathy, and teamwork. Additionally, Ryan Cunningham of Michigan states that listening to student feedback and opinions can help to shape future learning in a way that is more enjoyable and accessible in a way that makes students feel valued for their contribution. Developing open lines of communication builds a level of trust, and also helps to foster learners that are not afraid to ask questions.

• Be a Role Model for Positivity

Teachers that practice what they preach will find it easier to connect with their students. Even though we can all have bad days, maintaining an air of positivity and enthusiasm can be incredibly contagious as students will start to emulate this behavior. By educators showing how they constructively deal with their own problems or mistakes, as well as by showing genuine care and courtesy to each and every student, they provide a benchmark and concrete example for learners to follow.

In Conclusion

In essence, fostering a strong student-teacher relationship holds the key to unlocking a world of educational growth, personal development, and lifelong success.