If you've been in education for some time, you have, like me, received many requests to connect on social media from former students. My 3rd and 4th grade students, now with children of their own, often reach out via Facebook or Instagram to see how I'm doing. I enjoy following their shareable moments and cheering on their accomplishments. It is a true testament to the power of building meaningful relationships.
When you take the time to connect with students in meaningful ways, your impact transcends the boundaries of mere instruction. While academic achievement is the end goal, research shows that fostering such relationships plays a crucial role in student engagement, growth, and achievement. While there are substantiated short-term benefits, the impact continues to manifest long after the academic year has concluded.