ABSTRACT
Meaningful connections and strong relationships are the foundation for learning. When students feel that educators understand who they are and that educators authentically care, they take emotional risks and they open their hearts and minds to connecting and learning. Connecting with every student matters because every student matters. At the end of the day, an educator’s goal is learning for students and a desire to increase student achievement. Connections and relationships are the key to establishing a culture of equity and access for every student in their schools. Marginalized students – students of color, socioeconomically disadvantaged youth, English learners, and especially trauma impacted students – are sometimes perceived as “high-need” and “difficult” to understand and connect with. Teachers are the most influential people in a student’s school life. The entire team of stakeholders makes up the culture of a school community. Culture is identified as the norms, values, beliefs and behaviors of the organization.
