In what ways do you make your students feel valued?

[Austin]

Teaching a high school leadership class gives me a unique opportunity to invest in my students in meaningful ways. At the beginning of the year, I invite the entire group into my home for a vision-casting session to set the tone for the year. I make an intentional effort to create a memorable and special experience. In class, I celebrate each student’s birthday and take time to pray over them individually. As the year comes to a close, I dedicate a week to speaking individual and specific blessings over each senior before they graduate. However, what students seem to appreciate most is the annual one-on-one lunch meeting. During this time, they have the opportunity to share open feedback with me. In turn, I encourage them, share sometimes challenging truths, and pray over their specific needs.

[Austin]

1. My students are given the opportunity to express themselves freely in class.

2. They get to recite a class confession that ends with the statement “I am excellent”

3. My students are assured of the fact that they can walk up to me to unburden their hearts over any issue. We pray together as well. This really makes them feel alive.

[Austin]

I build positive relationships with them

I foster a respectful classroom environment

I provide individualized support

I recognize their efforts

I’m approachable and kind to everyone of them

I am reliable and I treat everyone equally

[Austin]

I remind my kindergartners in so many little ways that they are of great value to me. When they make mistakes, I reassure them that their brains are growing and they’ve learned a new thing today. I welcome them every morning with a smile, make a big deal of the flowers they bring to my tables, and check in with them on their feelings. I also hold them to a high learning expectation in a supportive learning environment.

[Austin]

1. I show interest in their personal lives (they tell me when their family members have celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries and I send a message to the parents).
2. I pray for them when they are sick, we pray as a class, and I send messages to the parents to ask how the child is doing and to let the parent know we’re praying as a class.
3. I allow them to ask questions about things that bother them (which they want to share) and we discuss them as a class.
4. I verbalize my love for them and give them the why for the decisions I make.
5. I try to help them see the eternal value in all they are learning, ensuring they understand that academics are beyond getting good grades and moving to the next class.