Let’s be honest: working with students today can be challenging. Educators see it every day - extreme apathy, disengagement, lack of motivation, and sometimes even outright disrespect. The very students we dedicate our lives to can leave us feeling frustrated, discouraged, or pushed away.

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But they are still the reason we do this work.

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At the heart of great teaching and leadership is one essential truth: relationships drive learning. When students feel seen, valued, and connected to the adults in their school, everything changes. Student motivation, effort, and willingness to grow all improve when kids love and trust the adults they are learning from. 

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In The Kids, I explore the reality of working with today’s students while reminding educators of the incredible influence they still hold. No matter how students initially respond, educators set the tone for the relationship. We are the adults in the room - and we have the power to build trust.

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Through honest stories, humor, and real classroom insight, I will share 5 concrete strategies for building meaningful relationships with students. These practical approaches help educators create classrooms where students feel a sense of belonging, build trust with adults, and become more motivated to learn.

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Because when relationships improve, everything in the classroom improves.

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Participants will learn how to:

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• Build trust with even the most resistant students

• Create a classroom culture of belonging and respect

• Respond productively to student apathy and disengagement

• Use simple relationship strategies that increase student motivation and learning