Why Student-Teacher Relationship Matters, Especially for Boys

In the United States and across the world there is an ongoing discussion about how to best educate boys. This is due in part to data showing an educational achievement gap, with boys regularly behind girls in terms of math, reading, and writing. Boys are also more likely to have disciplinary issues in school, and are more likely to drop out. One answer to this challenging issue centers around the relationship between teachers and students. A number of recent studies have shown the benefits of strong relationships between students and teachers, as well as the benefits of the same teacher teaching the same student over multiple years. Benefits include stronger student engagement, higher academic achievement, lower school absences, and decreased classroom behavioral issues. These benefits are true for both girls and boys. However, strong student-teacher relationships are particularly important for boys, argues Michael Reichert, a clinical psychologist and author of “How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men." The biggest take away from Reichert’s 30 years of research? “Boys are relational learners. They learn best in the context of strong, supportive relationships.” 

Strong supportive student-teacher relationships are at the center of our educational approach at Seacoast Waldorf School. Every school day starts with the class teacher greeting each student at the door to their classroom, looking them in the eye, and shaking their hand. Our class teachers move through the grades with their class, often staying with the students for 3, 5, even 8 years. This extended time that our teachers spend with their class means that they are able to be an additional trusted, and supportive figure in their lives who is invested in their long term success. They come to really know each student. They know their strengths, their challenges, their unique learning styles. They are able to see the arch of each student’s academic, and social development. The regular parent-teacher conferences, and written reports our teachers write for each student ensures that parents and teachers are communicating and working as a team year after year to help each child navigate the joys and challenges of learning and growing. This ability for students (especially boys) to feel “seen” and understood by a trusted teacher over multiple years allows the students to trust their teacher and be open to being inspired, coached, mentored, and challenged throughout their education. 

Come discover what it feels like for your child to be recognized. Let us show you how it feels to be a partner with your child’s teacher while guiding them through learning and growing. Come visit Seacoast Waldorf School and experience the wonder of a Waldorf approach to education.