When we think of building professional relationships with our teachers as teenagers in high school, we do not think much of it. As a result, some of us may find that we may never see some of our teachers ever again or do not have plans to contact any staff member after high school. Although many students may believe that building a healthy student-teacher relationship during and after their high school experience is not beneficial, studies have proven otherwise.
According to the College of Education at Harvard and the American Psychology Association, students who build at least one meaningful relationship during their youth have healthier brain development changes, heal trauma, and are motivated to continue their education.
In addition, students who build healthy relationships with a staff member of their school are more likely to behave better in a classroom setting, engage in class and other school activities, earn better grades, and most importantly, learn to trust an adult. However, it all starts by creating a profound connection with a teacher or school counselor early.
More than ever, creating a healthy student-teacher/school counselor relationship has become essential during a pandemic where many people worldwide are having a hard time adjusting to online learning and work. Plus, as more students and staff members go back to on-campus learning, helping create a nurturing environment for you, your teachers, and/or school counselors during these difficult times can:
- Help reduce the anxiety you and your teacher may feel being in a room full of several other students.
- Reduce physical and mental health stressors.
- Create a better understanding of your learning styles and quality teaching.
- Produce excellent attendance for all, like reducing the dropout rates for students and lessen the presence of long-term substitute teachers due to teacher absences.
- Make teachers want to continue teaching in more underserved communities.
- Earn you a letter of recommendation for extra-curricular activities during and after school, scholarships, college admissions, and employment.
*Trust me; you will want to continue building relationships, a.k.a. networking with your teachers, professors, and others throughout your lifetime.
And while these are a few good reasons why it is vital to building that relationship, below are Tips on How to Build a Relationship with Your High School Teacher and/or School Counselor:
- Be empathetic and respectful at all times.
- Start by asking questions before, during, and/or after class about an assignment or asking for tutoring.
- Ask questions about their time in high school or college - it makes both student and staff members relatable.
- Offer to help pass classroom handouts when needed or run a quick school-related errand, such as getting more tissue boxes from the school office.
- Do the homework! Teachers appreciate it when students show interest in their teachings and participate in classroom activities.
Moreover, while we continue to live during a pandemic, teachers and school counselors are there to help us academically succeed and help us grow as a person.
The truth is that teachers and school counselors can impact the lives of their students in more ways than some may realize. It all comes down to you, as the student, to make the first move: communicating with them. Sure, it may feel intimidating approaching your teacher at times but remember: they were once in your shoes, too. They, too, were once teenagers in high school and, overall, are human just like you.
P.S. If you find yourself in a situation with a teacher or school counselor that is making you feel uncomfortable in any way and becomes unhealthy, please, tell another trusted adult staff member so that they can better help you. If any staff member finds you in a situation where you are being abused in any way, this staff member, by law, is to be a mandated reporter to the proper authorities.
References:
Why Teacher-Student Relationships Matter
American Psychology Association
How are you building meaninful relationships? Let us know in the comments below.
