When teachers invest time and energy in building relationships with students, students like and respect their teacher, leading to a more positive classroom climate. |
Eight Key Teacher Traits and Behaviors for Building Personal Relationships
When students are interviewed about their relationships with teachers, there is a cluster of teacher characteristics or traits and certain classes of teacher behavior students repeatedly mention as important (Ancess, 2003; Cushman, 2003; Johnson, 1976). Following are these teacher traits (Figure 15.1)
Students are ready to work and achieve when they know that people care about them, that what they’re learning matters, and that they possess the skills necessary to meet a challenge. |
Being a warm demander means combining high expectations with a belief in students’ potential, alongside genuine care and support. |
Teachers who know their students well can tailor lessons to their interests and learning preferences, which leads to more engaged and successful learners. |