Building Blocks That Matter: Forming Positive Relationships with Students and Families

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, July/August 2023 Issue

By Eric Gaestel

“Tries hard, but finds the subject difficult.” A statement that was often printed on my report card as a kid.

I came to school fully ready to learn, but still I struggled to keep up with my peers academically. Even though I was so young, my mind was consumed by thoughts of my perceived lack of ability to succeed and this deeply affected my self-esteem. Once a young person becomes convinced that they will never be successful, no amount of academic remediation will help.

What did help was having teachers who took the time to get to know me and understand where I was coming from, and who chose to be a positive influence on my school experience. Teachers like Mr. Prail, my 8th grade social studies teacher, not only inspired me as a student, but also influenced my decision to become a middle school teacher. In fact, what he did is exactly what I strive to do now: form positive relationships with my students.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .
Avatar photo

Eric Gaestel is a teacher at McClintock Middle School in Charlotte, NC. He provides mentorship to new and beginning teachers through McClintock’s teacher support program, offering them guidance and support as they navigate their first years as educators.

Education News

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Eric Gaestel
Eric Gaestel
Eric Gaestel is a teacher at McClintock Middle School in Charlotte, NC. He provides mentorship to new and beginning teachers through McClintock’s teacher support program, offering them guidance and support as they navigate their first years as educators.

Advertisement

Read More

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.
free 5 no deposit casino uk | vệ sinh buồng đốt xe máy | am muu va tinh yeu tap 388 | slot milling | khởi nghĩa hương khê | casino hồng vận | Choiluke con | thống kê giải đặc biệt hai số cuối | slotted hex nut | khu đô thị lideco trạm trôi hoài đức hà nội | dự đoán xổ số bạc liêu | p3 casino online | xổ số ngày 27 tháng 12 | lich bong da u19 dong nam a 2022 | tai game fan slot | dien dan so xo mobi | scudamores super stakes slot | casino advent calendar | best uk slots | casino là gì | ket qua 7 | lite bao moi | ketquasoso | Vua ớt | fruit slots online | hong kong casino | god of wealth slot | best online casino in new zealand | casino royale vietsub | xskt3mien | kerching casino | how far is chumash casino from santa barbara | josé dinis aveiro | bóng đá 8899 | u turn slot | xo slot | slot 777 | cầm xe không chính chủ | scudamores super stakes slot | casino online australia real money | ag ld 789 |