Reflection 6: Essential Connections

 


As teachers, our focus goes beyond just teaching content; if that were the case, our jobs would be much easier. Teaching is deeply rooted in social-emotional learning experiences. With that in mind, we need to consider the essential connections we build with our students.

 

What I have learned is that our identities are shaped primarily by the connections we have with our parents, family, and community. Imagine if one of those connections is broken for a student. As teachers, how do we help that student reconnect with their identity? Our jobs become much more complicated in this scenario. We expect students to come ready to learn each day, but that seems nearly impossible if they lose connection to what is dear to them—especially when it relates to the identity that shapes who they are.





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