I believe that establishing a connection with your students will lay the foundation for those students to have a successful school experience. In my teaching, it is my goal to develop this connection with my students. I will aim to provide an environment where each one of my students feels safe by showing them that I genuinely care about them and their future. My students will know I care when I greet them individually each morning, make eye contact with them, get down to their level when needed, and listen to them when they have something they need to share. I recognize that each of my students are individuals, with their own thoughts, learning styles, abilities, interests, and family backgrounds. I will honour what makes each one of my students unique and provide an environment where they feel safe enough to be the most authentic version of themselves. This connection will also aid in the student’s regulation, which I will model each day by remaining calm and steady. My students will see that I am consistent and can be relied upon, and as a result, they will know they can trust me. In my teaching, I recognize that I am also a learner in the classroom and that this learning is lifelong. I learn from the students, their families, my coworkers, and the community. I will be flexible in my teaching to allow for teachable moments, that while not always planned for, remain a valuable piece of the puzzle. My students, their families, and my coworkers will see my openness to learn, which will reinforce my ability to establish connections.
