Creating a Thriving Classroom with Trust

In schools, relationships aren’t just a “nice-to-have”; they’re everything. I’ve spent years observing how strong, positive connections between teachers and students lay the foundation for deep learning and personal growth. Without trust, students are less likely to engage, to take risks, or to invest in their own learning.

But how do we build this trust? What steps can we take, especially as the school year begins, to ensure that our classrooms are places where every student feels seen, heard, and valued?

This week, I want to dive into the art of creating trusting classrooms—those safe havens where students can blossom and how AI can help make this easier. For more detailed information on creating safe classroom spaces, this APA (American Psychological Association)  article is a great resource.

1. Know Your Students: Personal Connections Matter

Begin the year by getting to know each student individually. Learn their names, interests, and backgrounds. This information will not only help you connect with them on a personal level but also enable you to tailor your teaching strategies to their unique needs.

Example: If you have a student who loves basketball, integrate basketball-related examples into your math lessons. If another student speaks a different language at home, show interest in their linguistic skills and find ways to incorporate their knowledge into the classroom.

AI Tip: Use AI-driven tools to gather insights about your students’ interests. For instance, ask students and parents to fill in a “tell me about yourself/your child in a 1,000,000 words or less,” then, after anonymizing your data, use Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT, or another AI platform to analyze student data to suggest personalized learning activities, helping you connect with students more effectively.

2. Create a Positive Classroom Climate

I’ve seen firsthand the power of a positive classroom climate. It’s not just about creating a space where students feel physically safe, but emotionally secure as well. When students know that they won’t be judged, that their thoughts and ideas are respected, they’re more willing to take the academic risks that lead to deep learning.

AI Tip: AI tools can help you monitor and manage classroom dynamics ensuring that all students are participating and that no one feels left out or marginalized. For example, Edthena allows you to take a video of your class and review and reflect on what’s happening through coaching questions.   

3. Offer Constructive Feedback and Support

Feedback is essential for student growth, but it’s important that it’s delivered in a way that motivates rather than discourages. Focus on what students have done well, and provide guidance on areas where they can improve. This balanced approach helps students feel valued and supported.

AI Tip: AI tools can assist in providing personalized feedback to students. For example, Khanmigo and Brisk give individualized feedback on assignments, allowing you to focus more on in-person interactions.

4. Develop Trust with Challenging Students

Every classroom has its share of challenging students, but these are often the students who benefit the most from a positive teacher-student relationship. Every teacher has had at least one student who, for whatever reason, challenges every rule and pushes every button. These students can be the hardest to reach, but they’re also the ones who most need that connection.

Invest time in getting to know these students, and find opportunities to have positive interactions with them. Even small moments of connection can make a big difference.

AI Tip: Behavioral tracking tools powered by AI can help you identify patterns in challenging behavior, providing insights into triggers and effective intervention strategies. Using voice to text to gather your reflections daily, then feeding this into a GPT can help you to identify patterns that may not be apparent to you in the day-to-day rush of classes.

5. High Expectations Coupled with Support

Finally, trust isn’t just about being nice. It’s about believing in your students—believing that they can meet high expectations, and providing them with the support they need to get there. When students know that you expect great things from them, and that you’re there to help them achieve those things, they’re more likely to rise to the challenge.

AI Tip:  Track student progress and identify when they might need extra help, then use a tool like UnconstrainED’s differentiation tool to create a mini-lesson that is made exactly for this student.  

A New Year, A New Opportunity

Building a trusting classroom environment is one of the most important things you can do as an educator. As you prepare for the new school year, the relationships you cultivate with your students from day one will set the tone for their academic and social development and your wellbeing.