Research has clearly shown that human beings are creatures who are literally “hard-wired” with the desire and need to connect (Goleman/Resnick); we are social beings who thrive on healthy relationships. And yet, in education, the importance of relationships, which are tremendously powerful and have an enormous impact on student achievement, motivation, and engagement, is often sorely overlooked and underutilized. 

When I start talking about the importance of relationships in education, many teachers and administrators react as if I’m attempting to convert them over to “the dark side.” The general sentiment is that relationships are “fluff,” geared more toward elementary school children, or simply a “waste of time.”

By Tara Brown

Tara Brown is an award-winning educator, author and speaker who's 25 year journey has taken her from rural Florida to Gang Territory in North Long Beach, California and to one of the largest high schools in Tennessee with students representing over 37 countries. Tara is recognized as an expert in connecting with youth and building strong relationships with students and staff. Her passion and humor continues to drive her work with teachers across the world to better equip them with the ability to connect with their students, to have meaningful interactions, and to positively impact the learning process. Tara understands connecting with diverse populations, building relationships and how to get the most out of each individual student and class.
  

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