Our district is battling a loneliness epidemic

This focus on the teacher-student connection and the additional access allotted by digital tools means that we get to spend more meaningful time with our students. We are not alone in seeing this impact. A recent national survey of educators found that teachers who use digital tools to connect are more comfortable differentiating instruction and getting to know their students.

In the survey, 70 percent of educators said that effective use of technology is important for students’ future success. We have also found that teachers who use technology actually spend more one-on-one time with their students, and strengthen their bonds through open and honest communication. 

One of the most important things I’ve observed over my many years as an educator is that students need to know you are there for them. It is our job to make sure they are building life skills, not only taking tests. To teach them these real-world skills and habits, we need to get to know their strengths and areas for improvement. We need to continue to search and try out different approaches that make them feel comfortable speaking with us, whether they’re thriving or struggling. 

Students tell us that they find value, and feel valued, when they have the opportunity to get to know us on another level. They start to understand that their teachers and principals are people, just like them. At the same time, we are showing them that somebody believes in them. 

Our team values the technology that helps make building relationships easier and accessible. In the end, what matters most is that meaningful relationships between students and teachers can be formed and sustained throughout the school year. And I’m so thankful educators now have many different ways—and tools—to make that important connection.