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

Introducing a New STEM Resource for Girls: The WISE Girls Toolkit

The toolkit is a practical, research-informed resource designed to foster STEM confidence in girls by blending identity work, mentorship, and hands-on STEM engagement.

Reading Engagement Insights Added to Beanstack’s AI-Powered Benny

Beanstack expands its responsible use of AI to measure students’ positive experience with reading.

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

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.

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

Introducing a New STEM Resource for Girls: The WISE Girls Toolkit

The toolkit is a practical, research-informed resource designed to foster STEM confidence in girls by blending identity work, mentorship, and hands-on STEM engagement.

Ready or (Definitely) Not: Learning to Teach in a Pandemic Classroom

To many in the field, a poor first year of teaching is the first step in an accepted, almost ritualistic career timeline. Perspectives on a teacher’s first year seem to have shifted, though, since my generation entered the workforce.

Reading Engagement Insights Added to Beanstack’s AI-Powered Benny

Beanstack expands its responsible use of AI to measure students’ positive experience with reading.

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Guardians of the Coast: Building Kids’ Confidence Through Art

I was recently involved with an art exhibition in the Thanet District of Kent, England, that helped students see themselves as artists, advocates, and changemakers.

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.
phu quoc casino | fruit mania slot | free slot machines with bonus | casino software developers | casino trực tuyến 143 | fortuna slot | win là gì | maplestory v matrix slot enhancement | cf báo danh | hotels near parx casino bensalem | casino virtual dinero real | ca sĩ giấu mặt | game pikachu online | ku trò chơi casino | huvang slot | kqxs daklak | slots top up by phone bill | hd slot machine | druid spell slots | booking time slots online | steam poppy playtime - chapter 3 apk | how to open sim card slot on iphone | quay hũ slot uw88 | dudoanxoso mien trung hom nay | fifa nhật bản apk | casino online australia real money | jackpot giant slot review | du doan mb | xingtu là gì | casino naga | zingpay | mobile casino slots | free deposit bonus slots | yêu nhầm chị dâu tập 29 | viral casino | xstv hang tuan | online casino not registered with gamstop | dafabet casino | tinh dầu đuổi chuột | kết quả lét | 007 casino royale | casino sound effects | online casino verification | game doraemon | munchkins slot | xxnxx xom | đá gà trực tiếp casino 999 | gold club slot machines | nấu xôi đậu phộng | xe lead giá bao nhiêu | bet online slots | thong ke loto | house of fun slots free coins | dự đoán xsmb hom nay | casinos gratuitos | exciter 135 giá bao nhiêu | hotels near grand victoria casino |