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Students learn better when they are taught lessons that are relevant to their lives. They also thrive when teachers convey high expectations and support, letting them know they are capable.
Supporting Teachers
The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for everyone, including teachers and those who support them. During this time of new beginnings, it’s important that all parties keep in mind high-leverage strategies to help students succeed throughout the year.
Education supporters are the backbone of any educational institution. They work in various roles from paraeducators and administrative assistants to custodians, bus drivers, and security and technology workers. They perform a number of tasks including classroom observations and making notes that can help improve teaching techniques.
As a leader, you can help them feel supported by providing professional development opportunities that are relevant to their needs and interests. This could include workshops, conferences, and in-person training sessions. Also, you can help them maintain a positive work environment by offering rewards and recognition for their efforts. This will allow them to be more comfortable pushing themselves and will increase their overall performance. In addition, you can encourage their success by being available for questions or concerns they may have.
Creating a Positive Learning Environment
The physical, social and emotional environment in which students learn has a direct impact on both their academic achievement and their overall wellbeing. A positive learning environment provides a supportive foundation from which students can build confidence and thrive.
Students are more likely to succeed in classrooms where they feel a sense of belonging, and there are a variety of strategies teachers can use to create a welcoming atmosphere within the first days, weeks, and months of class. These can include community-building activities, a warm demeanor, and constructive messages about student success.
Creating a positive learning environment can also be as simple as a teacher bringing in cupcakes after the class achieves a goal, or allowing students to have a break while they work. Even these small gestures can make a big difference in how students are motivated and engaged, helping them to feel supported in their learning. To learn more about how to create a positive learning environment, read this article that outlines practical SEL-supporting ways for both teachers and directors.
Supporting Students with Disabilities or Special Needs
Students with disabilities often experience barriers to their learning. These can be physical, like lack of accessibility, or psychological, such as low self-esteem and difficulty forming friendships. In addition, they may not be receiving the specialized teaching and education that is recommended by their Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan.
To help them learn, teachers must understand how students with disabilities learn best. For example, visual learners may do better with written directions, diagrams, maps and charts. Auditory learners may benefit from lecture-based instruction, spoken directions and study groups. Using these strategies can help them engage with their curriculum and achieve success.
They also need to be taught social skills so they can interact with their peers. Teaching them to greet their classmates, ask permission and take turns can improve their ability to function in school. In addition, they should be given positive reinforcement to promote their efforts and build confidence. This can be especially important when a student is struggling.
Supporting Parents
Parents are the frontline public health workers who nurture and support children, promote healthy behaviors, ensure their children receive appropriate care, and help them learn how to stay healthy. They are also often the main source of information about their child’s health and development, especially when they have limited resources.
Parents’ knowledge and attitudes about parenting are shaped by their beliefs, experiences, and expectations (e.g., from family and friends, community members, or cultural communities) and by the availability of supports to help them meet their goals and responsibilities as parents.
Parents can feel isolated and unsupported when they become working parents, especially in work cultures that prioritize long hours and travel. Offer parental leave, flexible scheduling, childcare stipends and other ways to give employees the resources they need to balance work with life. Education Support (previously Teacher Support Network, Recourse and Worklife Support Partnership) is a UK charity that champions the mental health and wellbeing of teachers, teachers’ assistants, higher and further education lecturers, and school leaders.