Building Trust with Students #PD #Educate #TWValor #AFJROTC #JROTC #NJEA #CEA

Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving deep into a topic that lies at the heart of effective teaching: building trust with your students. Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have in the classroom; it’s the bedrock upon which all meaningful learning takes place.
 
It’s what allows students to feel safe, valued, and motivated to take risks, ask questions, and stretch themselves beyond their comfort zones. In many ways, trust is the secret sauce that transforms a good teacher into a great one.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• Pierson, Rita – "Every Kid Needs a Champion" TED Talk: A powerful talk on the importance of building relationships with students.
• Edutopia – Building Trust in the Classroom: www.edutopia.org - Articles and videos on creating trust-based classroom environments.
• "Teaching with Love and Logic" by Jim Fay and David Funk: A guide to creating respectful and productive classrooms through trust and empathy.
• ASCD – Strategies for Building Trust with Students: www.ascd.org - Resources on fostering trust in educational settings.
• National Education Association (NEA) – Building Positive Student-Teacher Relationships: www.nea.org - Tools and tips for enhancing teacher-student connections.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:08

Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving deep into a topic that lies at the heart of effective teaching: building trust with your students. Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have in the classroom; it’s the bedrock upon which all meaningful learning takes place. It’s what allows students to feel safe, valued, and motivated to take risks, ask questions, and stretch themselves beyond their comfort zones. In many ways, trust is the secret sauce that transforms a good teacher into a great one. Whether you’re working with a group of energetic elementary school kids, navigating the turbulent waters of middle school, or helping high schoolers prepare for the next chapter of their lives, building trust with your students is essential. Today, we’ll explore what trust looks like in the classroom, why it’s so critical, and how you can develop it with your students, day by day, lesson by lesson. And for our parent listeners, we’ll finish up with a special bonus segment addressing a common question about how a teacher’s relationship with their students impacts learning. Let’s get started. In our first segment we will look at: Understanding Trust in the Classroom. So, what exactly do we mean when we talk about trust in the classroom? Trust is about creating an environment where students feel secure and supported. It’s about showing them, through your actions and words, that you’re there to help them succeed, not just academically, but as individuals. For younger students in elementary school, trust might mean knowing that their teacher will listen to their stories and respond kindly when they make mistakes. It’s feeling that their classroom is a safe place where they can explore and express themselves without fear of judgment or punishment. In middle school, trust takes on new dimensions. Adolescents are at a stage where they’re starting to question authority and figure out their identities. Trust here means showing students that you respect them as emerging young adults. It’s about listening to their concerns, validating their feelings, and providing a consistent, fair classroom environment where they know what to expect. High school students, on the other hand, are preparing for the transition to adulthood. Building trust with them means treating them with a level of maturity, encouraging their independence, and being honest and transparent in your interactions. High schoolers are quick to spot insincerity, so it’s crucial to be genuine in your approach. Regardless of the age group, trust is built on consistency, empathy, and genuine care. It’s not something that can be forced or faked; it’s earned through everyday interactions. Trust is also reciprocal. When students feel trusted by their teachers, they are more likely to trust in return. This trust can manifest in numerous ways, from a willingness to ask questions when they don’t understand something, to feeling confident enough to share their opinions or take on challenging tasks. Now that we have a clearer picture of what trust looks like in the classroom, let’s explore some strategies that teachers can use to build and maintain this trust with their students. Building trust starts with showing genuine interest in your students as individuals. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to do this is to learn their names quickly and use them often. This might sound basic, but using a student’s name in conversation shows them that you see them as a unique person, not just another face in the classroom. Going a step further, try to learn a little bit about each student’s interests, hobbies, and background. These small details can make a big difference. When you ask a student how their soccer game went over the weekend or comment on a book they’re reading, it sends a powerful message:"I see you, and I care about you." Being consistent is another key strategy. Students, especially younger ones, thrive on routine and clear expectations. They need to know that your rules are not arbitrary and that they apply to everyone. Consistency doesn’t mean rigidity; it means fairness and predictability. If you say you’re going to do something, follow through. If you set a deadline, stick to it. If a rule is broken, address it with the same level of firmness and compassion, regardless of who the student is. This creates an environment where students know what to expect, which fosters a sense of security. Active listening is also crucial in building trust. When a student speaks to you, give them your full attention. Put down your papers, make eye contact, and show that you’re listening. When students feel heard, they feel valued. If a student is struggling, whether academically or emotionally, listen first before jumping to solutions or discipline. Ask open-ended questions that invite them to share their feelings or concerns, and acknowledge their perspective, even if you don’t necessarily agree. Sometimes, all a student needs is to know that someone cares enough to listen. Humor can be a powerful tool as well. Sharing a laugh can break down barriers and make you more approachable. Don’t be afraid to inject humor into your teaching, tell stories, or laugh at yourself when things don’t go as planned. However, be mindful to use humor that is inclusive and never at a student’s expense. Laughter builds connections, and connections build trust. Transparency is another essential ingredient in building trust. Be open with your students about your own learning process. Share with them when a lesson didn’t go as planned or when you’re trying something new. Let them see that you’re a learner too. This humility not only humanizes you but also models a growth mindset, encouraging students to see mistakes as opportunities for growth. Encouraging a sense of belonging is equally important. Create opportunities for students to share their thoughts, work together, and learn from one another. Incorporate group projects, peer feedback, and classroom discussions that encourage every voice to be heard. When students feel they belong to a community, they’re more likely to trust their peers and their teacher. Building trust also involves recognizing and celebrating each student’s unique strengths. Take the time to notice and acknowledge their efforts and achievements, whether big or small. A simple word of encouragement or a note recognizing their hard work can go a long way. When students feel appreciated for who they are, they’re more likely to trust you. We’ve talked about how teachers can build trust with their students, but how does this trust impact the learning environment? Let’s explore a common question from parents about the role of trust in education. Parents often wonder,“Why is trust between a teacher and a student so crucial?” It’s an excellent question because trust is often the unseen force that shapes a child’s entire school experience. When a student trusts their teacher, they feel safe in the classroom, and a sense of safety is foundational for learning. If a child is worried about being judged, embarrassed, or criticized, they’re less likely to take risks, ask questions, or participate actively. Trust creates a safe space where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, not as failures. When students trust their teacher, they are more open to feedback and more likely to view it as a tool for growth rather than criticism. They know their teacher has their best interests at heart. This trust also allows them to be more resilient in the face of challenges. When they struggle, they don’t shut down or give up; instead, they feel confident that their teacher will support them through it. Trust is also critical for fostering a positive classroom culture. When students see their teacher consistently treating everyone with respect, kindness, and fairness, they are more likely to replicate those behaviors. This leads to a classroom environment where respect, empathy, and collaboration are the norms. And as a parent, that’s exactly the kind of environment you want your child to be a part of. So, what can parents do to support this trust-building process? Start by communicating openly with your child’s teacher. Share relevant information that might help them understand your child better. Encourage your child to trust their teacher and talk about their feelings or concerns. Let your child know that their teacher is there to help them succeed, and that a strong, trusting relationship with their teacher is a key part of their learning journey. Before we wrap todays episode, don't forget your take-aways. Building trust with students is the cornerstone of effective teaching. It requires consistency, empathy, active listening, transparency, and a genuine interest in who your students are. When you build trust, you create a classroom environment where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. It’s not something that happens overnight, but with intention and dedication, you can cultivate deep, meaningful relationships that will transform your teaching practice and your students’ learning experiences. Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. For more resources on building trust with students and creating a positive learning environment, check out the links in our episode description. Keep connecting, keep building, and as always, keep teaching with valor.