Three Steps to Foster Engagement and Growth: Building a Collaborative Classroom Journey

As a classroom teacher, I've often noticed the traditional hierarchy in educational settings, which tends to prioritize control over collaboration. During my initial weeks as a teacher, the conventional advice was to "lay down the law" and establish authority by being stern—advice that starkly contrasted with my personal beliefs and how I approach parenting.

Instead of adhering to this traditional view, I chose to foster a collaborative environment. I wanted to invite students on a learning journey, recognizing that as a new teacher passionate about transformation, and them having a new teacher mid-year while being behind grade level, we could achieve more by working together. I believed it was crucial for us to acknowledge that mistakes are part of the learning process and that perfection isn’t the goal; commitment and teamwork are.

The results were impressive. I inherited a classroom where only about 10 to 12% of students were proficient, with many of them two to three grades behind in eighth-grade English Language Arts. By the end of the year, we had increased proficiency to roughly 60 to 70% during major assessments, and the majority of students were on track to successfully progress to ninth grade.

The shift in focus from authority to empowerment made a significant difference. It's less about how I achieved these results and more about why. We need to move beyond viewing students as statistics or defined by their limitations, such as being below grade level, having IEPs, or facing other challenges. It's essential to show students that they are worthy, valuable, and capable, regardless of the systemic barriers or personal doubts they may encounter.

This approach not only enhances academic achievement but also helps students develop a love for learning and see education as a tool to create the lives they deserve. By inviting students to join me on this journey, we built a classroom culture based on mutual respect and shared goals, proving that when students feel valued and supported, they are capable of remarkable growth.

To effectively engage students in their learning, I developed three key steps that have proven essential in creating a meaningful educational experience:

Create a Shared Vision

Often, educators have a vision for where they want to take their class that may differ significantly from the students' personal educational or career aspirations. For example, if students are accustomed to receiving passing grades without much effort due to low expectations at home, they might not initially share your high academic aspirations. Therefore, it's crucial to include students in the vision-creating process. Together, identify three main goals to focus on throughout the year. This collaborative approach helps formulate a vision statement for the class, providing a clear reference point for addressing behavioral issues or instructional strategies.

Cultivate Authentic Relationships

Building genuine connections with students is vital. Rather than maintaining a strict authority figure, position yourself as a partner in their educational journey. Share personal stories, challenges, and aspirations to bridge the gap between teacher and student. This transparency fosters a safe and trusting environment, making it easier to motivate and challenge students effectively. It shifts the dynamic from one of mere compliance to one of mutual respect and cooperation.

Celebrate Their Genius

Acknowledging every small achievement is important for building student confidence and motivation. Whether a student improves slightly on a test, arrives on time more consistently, or shows preparedness for class, each achievement deserves recognition. Celebrating these moments helps students see their progress and value, encouraging them to continue striving for success. This is especially important for students who may not receive much support outside of school.

By implementing these three steps—creating a shared vision, cultivating authentic relationships, and celebrating students' achievements—you can transform the classroom into a journey of discovery and growth. This approach not only meets students where they are but also lifts them toward where they could be, making education a joint venture rather than a solitary effort.