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Posted by Kellie Hayden Jun 16, 2008 |
With almost 50% of teachers leaving the classroom within the first five years, something has to change. Teacher morale does matter. A new study finds that building relationships is also very important.
Vick Dill and Delia Stafford report in “Teacher Retention a Critical National Problem” [EdNews, March 14, 2008] that Dr. Martin Haberman found that the three most important attributes of teachers who remain in the classroom are "content knowledge, pedagogy and the ability to build relationships with children, parents and school leaders." The ability to build relationships seems to be very important.
So, how do teachers build better relationships with their students, parents and school leaders?
- Listen more and talk less. Students will tell you a lot when you stand around in the hallways and ask them about their day.
- Attend community functions. Students and parents love to see educators at sporting events, musicals, band functions, etc. It is something they remember and talk about when they are talking with their neighbors.
- Shop at the community stores and eat in the local restaurants. Having a nice conversation at the local pizza shop with parents will help if the same parents are called about their disruptive child later in the school year.
- Ask principals if they need help with anything. Being ready to go a little above and beyond cements a good relationship with the bosses.
These are just a few tips to build better relationships. Most importantly, relationships that teachers build are truly valuable and can help a teacher stay in the profession. And, I believe this in turn builds better schools.