Transforming Teaching Through Relationship-Building and Self-Reflection

Creating connections with and among students is at the heart of good teaching. In order to do this, we must identify and address the conscious and unconscious obstacles in the way. This book shows how to build authentic relationships that focus on trust and voice while honoring the differences in students' experiences and learning styles.

Katherine M. Heavers is currently a high school biology teacher and has served as an adjunct professor in teacher education at both Rutgers University and the College of New Jersey. She holds a Master's degree in science education and a Doctorate in social and philosophical foundations of education, both from Rutgers University. Valerie Kearns has worked as a high school social studies teacher, professional development facilitator, and lecturer and clinical supervisor at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. She holds a Master's degree in social studies education from Rutgers University.

Introduction: The Keys to the Castle Part I: Strengthening Classroom Relationships 1. Being authentic: How the intentional presentation of one's true self can build relationship in school environments 2. Considering the power of language as a form of connection: How communication builds or disrupts classroom relationships 3. Building trust: How intentional vulnerability and consistency cultivate connectedness 4. Creating and nurturing emotional safety: How a safe and supportive classroom fosters student growth, learning, and empowerment 5. Providing meaningful feedback: How intentional communication through feedback encourages student and educator growth Part II: Looking Inward, Shining Out 6. Increasing our self-awareness: How self-reflection and present-moment awareness transform teaching and learning 7. Establishing effective working relationships and utilizing accountability partners: How collegial relationships improve our teaching 8. Confronting bias: How to identify, reflect upon, and combat types of bias that arise in ourselves and in the classroom 9. Recognizing and minimizing stress: How to identify stressors and practice stress-management techniques to benefit ourselves and our students 10. Increasing educator flexibility: How to release traditional teacher control to strengthen student-teacher connection 11. Maximizing student voice and choice: How to empower students through greater autonomy in the classroom 12. Learning joy: How to be intentional about creating opportunities of joy for ourselves and our students Conclusion: Sojourners together