Transforming Teaching Through Relationship-Building and Self-Reflection: Finding Our Way In

Creating connections with and among students is at the heart of all good teaching. In order to do this, we must identify and address the obstacles, conscious and unconscious, getting in the way of this goal. Authors Katherine M. Heavers and Valerie Kearns show how to build authentic relationships that focus on trust and voice while honoring the differences in individuals’ experiences and learning styles. This book covers topics such as fostering trust, wielding language with intention, nurturing emotional safety, offering meaningful feedback, unearthing and confronting bias, and promoting student voice. The authors encourage educators to do their own inner work to embrace vulnerability, which can help them to grow personally and, as a result, better nurture student growth. As a byproduct of this deep reflection, the authors intend for you to enjoy heightened psychological flexibility and experience more joy, both of which will enable you to better serve your students. Each chapter concludes with reflection questions and activities to support, challenge, and extend thinking. Whether reading the book on your own or with colleagues, you will come away feeling supported on your journey as you strive to create meaningful connections that lead to lasting learning and empowered communities.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: The Keys to the Castle Part I: Strengthening Classroom Relationships 1. Being authentic: How the intentional presentation of one's true self can build relationship in school environments 2. Considering the power of language as a form of connection: How communication builds or disrupts classroom relationships 3. Building trust: How intentional vulnerability and consistency cultivate connectedness 4. Creating and nurturing emotional safety: How a safe and supportive classroom fosters student growth, learning, and empowerment 5. Providing meaningful feedback: How intentional communication through feedback encourages student and educator growth Part II: Looking Inward, Shining Out 6. Increasing our self-awareness: How self-reflection and present-moment awareness transform teaching and learning 7. Establishing effective working relationships and utilizing accountability partners: How collegial relationships improve our teaching 8. Confronting bias: How to identify, reflect upon, and combat types of bias that arise in ourselves and in the classroom 9. Recognizing and minimizing stress: How to identify stressors and practice stress-management techniques to benefit ourselves and our students 10. Increasing educator flexibility: How to release traditional teacher control to strengthen student-teacher connection 11. Maximizing student voice and choice: How to empower students through greater autonomy in the classroom 12. Learning joy: How to be intentional about creating opportunities of joy for ourselves and our students Conclusion: Sojourners together

About the Author :
Katherine M. Heavers is currently a high school biology teacher and has served as an adjunct professor in teacher education at both Rutgers University and the College of New Jersey. She holds a Master's degree in science education and a Doctorate in social and philosophical foundations of education, both from Rutgers University. Valerie Kearns has worked as a high school social studies teacher, professional development facilitator, and lecturer and clinical supervisor at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. She holds a Master's degree in social studies education from Rutgers University.

Review :
“This book serves as a practical and reflective tool to explore the importance of building connections and deepening knowledge of both our students and educational colleagues. Val and Kate explore the importance of building a sanctuary for our students through cultivating relationships. Their explicit focus on the power of language in creating community, engagement, and joy offers a refreshing perspective for educators to explore.” David Aderhold, Superintendent of Schools and Educational Advocate “This book is a powerful reminder of the joy and passion for learning that both teachers and students will experience in a classroom based on trust, care, and vulnerability. Val and Kate's expertise and guidance will ignite (or reignite) the spark for educators to be braver, bolder, and more authentic with their students. The text is an incredible blend of linking theory to practice while engaging the reader as a reflective practitioner. A must read for pre-service and veteran educators alike!” Dr. Jessica Monaghan, Assistant Director of Teacher Preparation “As we enter this age of Artificial Intelligence, we must never forget that teaching is a profoundly human endeavor built upon the relationships between teachers and students. Kate and Val share years of valuable wisdom that will help both beginning and seasoned teachers unpack the complexities of building and supporting relationships that foster true growth and learning. There are many ‘how to’ books for teachers, but this is absolutely essential reading for any educator who wants to move from ‘good’ to ‘great.’ Their book provides the foundational building blocks for creating an authentic classroom culture that will empower teachers and students to reach their highest potential.” Todd Kent, Teacher Educator "An inspiring, insightful guide to transforming life inside and outside the classroom that is at once a clearly written, practical manual. The authors draw on neurology, pedagogy, and experience, bridging theory and practice with personal anecdotes. The book makes a bold, convincing case that through authenticity and presence, we can engage our students as complete human beings, opening a space for real-time, life-altering learning and growth." Emily Van Buskirk, Rutgers University