In an article last week we explored the importance of routines in creating calm and consistent classrooms. Directly linked to that is the value of building relationships that help students feel supported and engaged.
In fact, research consistently shows that the quality of teacher-student relationships impacts student outcomes both academically and emotionally, with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), education researcher John Hattie, educationalist Dylan William and many others all emphasising the essential role that relationships play in creating supportive learning environments.
It follows that, for early career teachers (ECTs), nurturing relationships from the outset lays the groundwork for a successful year.
Building relationships is not just about being approachable, however; it’s about creating classrooms where students feel seen, heard and valued. Developing positive connections with colleagues and parents is also vital for creating a collaborative school community.
Practical tips for building strong relationships
Here are five research-informed practical strategies for building strong relationships:
1. Make a positive first impression
The first impression you make on your students is crucial in shaping the classroom environment. A welcoming, approachable attitude fosters a positive atmosphere where students feel safe and ready to engage.
As Paul Dix, writing for the Chartered College of Teaching, recommends, consistency and fairness in your interactions from day one help students trust you and feel respected. Greeting students at the door, using positive body language and being clear about your expectations can set a welcoming tone.
2. Take time to understand your students
Building strong relationships means you need to understand each student as an individual. The EEF emphasises that effective teaching is rooted in positive, supportive relationships with students and their families.
This is especially important for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), English as an additional language (EAL) or those who are neurodiverse, who may face additional barriers to feeling included and understood in the classroom.
Taking time to learn about each student’s background, interests and learning needs fosters a sense of belonging and psychological safety, which, in turn, enhances both academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.
3. Set clear expectations
Clear, consistent expectations are essential for creating an environment where students feel secure and respected. Behaviour expert Tom Bennett stresses that consistent behaviour management practices are fundamental to building a positive classroom culture.
The EEF advises that clear behavioural guidelines, combined with positive reinforcement, support students’ sense of fairness. Setting high but achievable standards and applying them consistently creates an atmosphere of mutual respect.
For ECTs, building trust hinges on reliable action: when you follow up on behaviour consistently, students learn that expectations matter. As the saying goes, “What you permit, you promote”, so it’s essential to apply agreed standards with fairness and predictability.
Wherever appropriate, follow up consequences with a restorative conversation before the next lesson to rebuild relationships and reinforce mutual expectations.
4. Develop positive relationships with colleagues
Collaboration with colleagues is essential for fostering a positive school culture, too.
The Teacher Development Trust (TDT) suggests that creating opportunities for effective collaboration - such as engaging in professional learning communities, sharing lesson plans and discussing student data - can significantly enhance teaching practices and student outcomes.
Research indicates that schools with a strong culture of collaboration experience improved teacher effectiveness and job satisfaction, leading to enhanced student achievement.
It is therefore important to build a strong support network. Investing time in informal staffroom conversations, observing experienced colleagues and getting involved with extracurricular activities are simple yet effective ways in which ECTs can integrate into the school community and build rapport.
5. Engage with parents and carers
Establishing strong partnerships with parents and carers is essential to fostering a supportive and consistent learning environment for every child.
Involving parents and carers in their children’s learning journey helps to reinforce the importance of education at home and ensures students receive consistent support.
A simple gesture, like sending home a welcome message, a praise postcard or a positive phone call, can establish lines of communication. Providing regular updates on a student’s progress and offering opportunities for parents to share concerns helps build a partnership based on trust and mutual respect.
Research also shows that effective parental engagement is one of the most impactful strategies for improving pupil progress - particularly when communication is proactive and sustained. Familiarisation with a school’s policies for home-to-school communication is important, and established protocols should be followed.
Ultimately, relationship-building is an ongoing process that cannot be rushed, but a highly rewarding one. By prioritising connections, you’re not only shaping your students’ success but also laying the foundation for a satisfying teaching journey.
Dr Sarah Mullin MBE is an experienced school leader, visiting professor of education and author. She recently completed her doctorate in education exploring the experiences and perceptions of women secondary school headteachers in England
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