Fifty-six percent of high school students report feelings of anxiety at school. Many of these students find comfort in a teacher, referring to them as a teacher mom/dad. 

Properly established student-teacher relationships are important in maintaining educational and social prosperity. These relationships are often formed on a basis of mutual respect and trust. 

However, when forming a bond that leads students to a stronger attachment, teachers take that extra step to make sure students feel heard, understood, and supported. 

“The key to classroom management is building a relationship with the student,” said social studies teacher Kourtney Saavedra, “Building relationships with students allows them to come to you and share their needs.”

“I find the common theme among students with close relationships with teachers is that the students feel like a particular teacher really genuinely cares about them,” said health science teacher Jenny Rohr. 

“She is very open and free of judgment when it comes to people,” said Ruth McKenzie about her favorite teacher. “She is good at listening.” 

Some students who appreciate teachers’ actions more have challenges they face in their personal lives. These students can find comfort in certain teachers. 

“Students seek guidance from someone they respect because they might not have a role model at home they feel supports them,” said Rohr. 

“She is an understanding ear to listen whenever I need to talk about anything, giving me a mature response, keeping me reasonable,” said Janie Tucker

Others simply enjoy a teacher’s attitude.

“I enjoyed her teaching a lot and morals,” said McKenzie, “I think my interest in other cultures and traveling and humor drew me towards her.” 

Teachers have to make difficult decisions regarding their students’ confessions. They have to decide whether to act as a friend/parent or as a teacher with obligations to report possible dangerous situations a student may be in.

“If a student is having a difficult home life, first and foremost I listen and validate their feelings,” said Rohr. “Second, I ask if they are safe or feel safe. Then I refer as needed to a counselor or social worker but I let them know that I am here for them.”

Student-teacher relationships are built off of mutual respect and understanding of each other. Both teachers and students put in work to have a deeper connection.