This is the eighth in a series of guest blogs by the 2024-25 Michigan Regional Teachers of the Year. Kristina Dennis is a third-grade teacher at Onsted Elementary School in Onsted Community Schools.
Building Relationships: The Heartbeat of Learning
April 08, 2025
“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
Dr. Seuss
As a veteran teacher, I have to say that the love for what I do comes from the relationships that I make with my students. Yes, I love the work that I do and exploring creative ways to engage students in the curriculum that I teach. However, what really makes my heart full and the smile spread across my face is the love I have for my students.
A true passion that I have is to be an influential person in the lives of my students. I want to be a difference-maker. One of my favorite books is “Thank You, Mr. Falker,” by Michigan author Patricia Polacco. This is a dream as a teacher, to be the difference-maker in a child’s life.
In my blog today, I will share with you why I believe relationships matter in the classroom, and I will provide you with some examples of how teachers can build those relationships.
Why Relationships Matter in the Educational Classroom
There is so much involved in the teaching of our youth, yet I wholeheartedly believe that I would not be able to make as many gains in students’ learning if I didn’t take the time to build strong, positive relationships with them. According to Dr. Justin Tarte, in an article in Edutopia, taking time to get to know our students isn’t fluff time – it’s academic time. As educators, the more we know about whom we teach, the more effective we will be with what we teach.
Teaching is more than just delivering lessons and grading assignments; it’s about fostering connections that make learning meaningful. Strong teacher-student relationships contribute to a positive classroom environment, increased motivation and improved academic success. When students feel valued, loved and understood, they are more likely to engage in the learning process and develop a lifelong love for education.
The Benefits of Positive Teacher-Student Relationships
1. Increased Student Engagement
When students feel comfortable and respected, they participate more actively in class discussions and activities. A supportive relationship with their teacher can give students the confidence to ask questions, take risks and express their opinions. They feel safe and supported, which builds their confidence to be more engaged.
2. Improved Academic Performance
According to Education Week, a Review of Educational Research analysis of 46 studies found that strong teacher-student relationships were associated with the short- and long-term improvements in practically every measure schools care about, including higher student academic engagement, attendance and grades, fewer disruptive behaviors and suspensions, and lower school dropout rates.
Students who have positive relationships with their teachers are more likely to perform well academically.
3. Increase in Positive Classroom Behavior
A strong relationship with students fosters mutual respect and reduces disciplinary issues. When students feel seen and heard, they are less likely to act out and more likely to follow classroom expectations. Classroom management issues decrease in classrooms where positive relationships have been made a priority.
4. Emotional and Social Development
Teachers play a vital role in students’ emotional growth. By showing empathy and understanding, educators help students develop critical social skills such as communication, teamwork and emotional regulation. Research from the HOPE: Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences website tells us that PCEs (Positive Childhood Experiences) can neutralize the negative effects of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Events). By consistently caring for and supporting students, teachers can be a positive influence as they take a genuine interest in them. You may want to reference the research by name.
How Teachers Can Build Strong Relationships with Students
1. Get to Know Your Students
Take the time to learn about their interests, backgrounds and aspirations. Simple conversations or activities that allow students to share their experiences can go a long way in building trust and showing them that you care about them. For example, greeting all students at the door, Student of the Week, attending extracurricular activities and a special mailbox for notes from students.
2. Create a Safe Space for Open Communication
Create an open and welcoming classroom environment where students feel safe expressing themselves. Let them know they can come to you with concerns, whether academic or personal. Make your classroom feel inviting and like a place where they would like to spend their day.
3. Show Empathy and Understanding
Recognize that students have different learning styles, struggles and strengths. A little patience and encouragement can make a huge difference in their confidence and willingness to learn. Small group instruction allows teachers to adjust the content to each student’s level, whether below grade level or above. All students benefit from this approach.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Acknowledge students’ efforts and achievements, no matter how small. Praise and constructive feedback help build self-esteem and motivation. Provide small rewards or occasions for acknowledgment from you as the teacher and from peers, as well.
5. Be Consistent and Reliable
Students thrive in environments where expectations are clear and consistent. Treat all students with fairness and respect, and they will reciprocate that respect. This means so much to students in building a respectful relationship with them.
Conclusion
Building strong relationships with students is an essential part of effective teaching. When educators invest in meaningful connections, they create a supportive learning environment where students feel motivated, respected and empowered to succeed.
By fostering these relationships, teachers not only enhance academic achievement but also contribute to students’ personal growth and lifelong learning journey. They will forever remember these connections and as an educator, you will be rewarded with knowing you have made a difference in the life of a student — or the lives of many!