DEED Spotlight on Relationship Building, New Teacher Community

The three elements of a successful career in education: relationships, relationships, relationships! The power of relationships is vital to the learning process. Therefore, in an attempt to help meet Alaska’s Education Challenge with the goal of preparing, attracting, and retaining effective education professionals, a New Teacher Community was implemented for the new teachers or new-to-Alaska teachers across the state. This learning community meets Thursdays from 3:45-4:30 pm for six weeks over a given topic. The first topic was centered all around building relationships with students, families, community members, and school staff. 

There were presentations and guidance from DEED’s School Recognition and Support Teams as well as Alaska Statewide Mentorship Project members. There was also an asynchronous option for discussion and resources through the Alaska Professional Learning Network (AkPLN). The new teachers were able ask questions and seek advice on how to handle situations in the classroom and in the community.  The intended outcomes were to help teachers gain confidence and success in building classroom communities, provide strategies to build relationships with students, families, community members, and fellow teachers, and create opportunities for connections and networking. The discussions were rich and meaningful and led to unexpected learning or outcomes. For example, some of the conversations related to the unique scenarios that arise when serving in rural communities - such as, how to respond when a student brings you a moose leg as a gift, and how to properly package the meat. 

Based on a survey provided to the new teacher community - relationships with kids matter. A lot of the work done as educators only matters if there are strong relationship with kids and families. Relationships are often built in the little things like praising a job well done or thanking students for a brave response. It is important to continually work on relationships because the interpersonal connections are critical to in the success and wellbeing of teachers, learners, and human beings.

When asked for advice around relationship building, the expressed the following sentiment: Teachers should remember to be open minded, learn from their peers, and take the time to connect to the community. You’re not in this alone! 

Marian Wright Edelman is quoted as saying “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” This can only be accomplished through building meaningful relationships with students, families, and learning communities. 

Thank you to all the teachers, new and experience, who are improving lives and leaving communities better than you found it because you took the time to build relationships, relationships, relationships!