Teachers often complain about the way students behave in class, displeased when we don’t pay attention or frustrated when we appear unmotivated. However, I believe there is a mutually beneficial solution: teachers need to get to know their students.

When asked what they look for most in a teacher, students stated they want to be taken seriously, challenged to think, shown they can make a difference, allowed to solve problems their own way, directed toward their goals, made to feel important, given lessons built around their interests, challenged to utilize their creativity, and finally, taught by a teacher that brings out their best self. Students spend an incredible amount of their childhood under the influence of teachers. As educators and mentors, they have a major impact. In order for teachers to provide their students with these wants and needs, they must first understand whom they are teaching.

It is vital for teachers to work on developing positive relationships with their students. Research has consistently shown that a student who has a caring relationship with his or her teacher is more likely to excel academically and socially. Getting to know a teacher better can even help with comprehension. I have found understanding comes much easier in a classroom where I feel comfortable and appreciated.

“It kind of helps to understand something when your teacher is a person that you know and like,” says Highland Freshman Max Okland.

Okland is a hard worker when it comes to academics, and explains that he makes it a priority to get to know his teachers before he even begins a course. He has found this to be helpful in his education.

Establishment of trust is crucial in the development of a positive student-teacher relationship. If a student trusts his or her teacher, he or she is more likely to take risks in school. Fear of being chastised or criticized can hold a student back both socially and academically. I find it much easier to talk and turn in major assignments to teachers I trust.

Highland Freshman Oscar Maxfield explains that a trust-based connection with a teacher makes him “feel more comfortable talking to them about grades,” which subsequently helps him improve his GPA. Trust between teachers and their students plays a role in creating an effective learning environment.

The effect of a teacher showing interest in his or her students goes far beyond grades and the understanding of a concept. Students who establish caring relationships with teachers tend to have better social skills and are more kind and helpful in their interactions with others. This leads to a more positive and uplifting school atmosphere. Teacher Kyle Bracken feels strongly that students and teachers should be supportive of one another.

He explains, “The best way to learn is in a team environment, where we’re in it together, and where we’re sharing this learning experience.”

Bracken is teacher who makes it a top priority to get to know his students, often basing an entire lesson or activity on one person. He has found that working on these relationships with each student is his favorite part of the job.

It is also important to understand the impact of a negative student-teacher relationship. This type of relationship is often based on several things, including distrust, disrespect, and power.

“The worst environment to learn in is one that’s based on power, where someone is in charge, and everybody else is to do what they’re told. That’s not learning, that’s obeying,” explains Bracken.

I have learned from personal experience that a lack of motivation in a class accompanies the absence of a connection with the teacher of that class. When I feel a teacher does not care about me, I find myself putting less effort into assignments and class participation.

Okland said it best when he explained, “If your teacher cares more about your learning, you tend to care more about your learning also.” There are few aspects more influential in the school system than teachers. A positive and professional relationship makes it possible for both student and teacher to excel at what they do.