The Timeless Power of Authentic Interactions in Education
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With AI dominating the education zeitgeist, it’s time to highlight a powerful teaching tool that’s as tried and tested as a #2 Ticonderoga pencil: high-quality in-real-life (IRL) relationships with students.
The Impact of Meaningful Teacher-Student Relationships
My high school Spanish teacher, who affectionately called herself “Señora,” taught me the importance of these relationships. She began each class with “¿Qué hay de nuevo?” (What’s new?), creating a personal connection by asking about our recent activities like swim meets or soccer games. This part of the lesson, filled with laughter and genuine interest, was as valuable as the language skills we were developing.
Beyond Language Skills
Years later, as a high school Spanish teacher myself, I realized that Señora’s approach went beyond building conversational Spanish skills. During her classes, while sipping coffee from her favorite mug inscribed with “Es mi mundo” (It is my world) and “Todo es posible, nada es seguro” (Everything is possible, nothing is certain), she was attuned to the well-being of her students, noting who seemed off or unwell.
Her classes were not just about learning Spanish through textbooks but were enriched with stories from her travels in Latin America, like her experiences at Machu Picchu or her role as an interpreter for an Airstream caravan tour. These narratives brought the language to life, taking us on journeys far beyond our Wisconsin classroom.
The Power of Sacrifice and Dedication
When my friends and I requested advanced Spanish lessons, Señora willingly sacrificed her planning time to teach us Spanish 6. It was only after becoming a teacher that I truly understood her dedication.
In our small library fishbowl cubicle, we engaged in deep conversations entirely in Spanish, learning not just the language but life lessons through the “Book of Questions.” These sessions forged bonds that transcended the academic syllabus, focusing on authentic interactions.
The Legacy of Authentic Interactions
Señora’s impact was so profound that even after cancer forced her early retirement, her presence lingered in the classroom. Her belongings remained untouched, a testament to the hope of her return. When I became a teacher, I visited her classroom, collecting her worksheets and slides to inspire my own teaching journey.
Using an overhead projector, I chose to transcribe Señora’s work, valuing the personal touch over digital resources. This choice reflected my belief in prioritizing authentic, human interactions in teaching.
Starting my classes with “¿Qué hay de nuevo?” and sipping tea from Señora’s mug, I focused on my students’ well-being, mentoring them in ways technology could never replicate.
For more insights into innovative teaching practices, visit the eSN Innovative Teaching Hub.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational changes in public schools.
Becca Katz, Chalkbeat
Becca Katz is an educator, mother, friend, partner, nature lover, writer, activist, and educator. She co-founded Good Natured Learning to strengthen educators’ ability to integrate nature references into their routine teaching practices. Becca writes “Learning, by Nature,” a substack about all things nature.
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