Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1017146
Franklin Suchite works in Miesha Harris Gash's class, his career book close at hand. Darlene Cefalu, left, builds "an atmosphere of positivity" for her students at Santa Teresa High School in San Jose. Shana Just says there's "always a way to make a connection between what you are teaching and students' lives." Build relationships All students, whether in honors or remedial classes, try harder when they have a connection with their teacher, says Darlene Cefalu, who teaches English for both levels at Santa Teresa High School in San Jose. Sometimes sharing a bit of your own story improves commu- nication, because students see you as a human being, says Cefalu, East Side Teachers Association. For example, she shares with her students that she is a cancer survivor. " There is no significant learning without a relationship," she says. "I praise kids when they do something good and treat them fairly. I commu- nicate with their parents to let them know their child is doing a good job and participating in class. I create an atmosphere of positivity that builds a strong connection." Communication is key in relation- ship building. Students text her via the Remind app. If students ask to talk with her after class, she makes time to listen. Her classroom is open at lunchtime for students who are lonely, and she brings snacks for hungry students. She offers lots of high fives, praise and encouragement. "By doing these things, I feel I am winning the battle against apa- thy," says Cefalu. "It's a rough world out there, and my students need to know they are loved no matter what." " There is no significant learning without a relationship. My students need to know they are loved no matter what." — Darlene Cefalu, East Side Teachers Association 22 cta.org BTS 2018 s p e c i a l i s s u e