Fostering Effective Relationships
"A teacher builds positive and productive relationships with students, parents/guardians, peers and others in school and local community to support student learning" (Alberta Education).
Impact Statement
From the TQS: (c) providing culturally appropriate and meaningful opportunities for students and for parents/guardians, as partners in education, to support student learning.
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During the summer of 2022, I organized a book club for a small group of grade five students. While summer made it difficult for the five of us to coordinate our schedules, we still managed to get through two books; Wish by Barbara O'Connor and Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle. Each meeting was hosted by a different book club member who would pose questions for the other members. I moderated the meetings by encouraging deeper thinking and inquiry into the themes presented by the authors. The students were thoroughly engaged in literacy and have voiced their anticipation for future meetings.
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Impact Statement
From the TQS: (a) acting consistently with fairness, respect and integrity;
(b) demonstrating empathy and a genuine care for others.
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This image displays an excerpt from an evaluation conducted by the principal of St. Michael's School while I was a kindergarten learning assistant in March of 2019.
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General Comments: "Very empathetic, caring, very aware of student needs."
Shows genuine interest in students: "Extremely strong in this area!"
Is resourceful in the resolution of day to day instructional problems and ensures resolutions focus on the positive, allowing students to maintain dignity: "A great role model for this!"
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These evaluation comments reflect my commitment to building positive relationships that are supportive of student learning, and I continue to use these ideas as a guiding purpose throughout my practice.