Relationship Building Intensive
Instructor: Emily Dills
A practice-based course that helps educators strengthen student relationships through intentional weekly strategies. Each session focuses on a core connection-building practice for teachers to implement in their classrooms. Through video sharing, group reflection, and collaborative problem-solving, participants gain tools to build meaningful connections with all students, including those who are hardest to reach.
Course information
For teachers and support staff
Duration: 12 hours
4 sessions
Live peer-to-peer learning
The methodology
Teachers will learn in small groups of 2-5 colleagues, meeting once a week for 4 weeks. Sessions are 1.5 hours and can be in-person or online.
Course syllabus
Session 1: The Power of Connection in the Classroom
- • Understand the impact of strong student-teacher relationships on learning and behavior
- • Identify personal strengths and gaps in relational practices
- • Commit to implementing a targeted relationship-building strategy
Session 2: Reflecting on Connection and Deepening Practice
- • Share and reflect on the outcomes of the implemented strategy
- • Analyze video or anecdotal evidence of successful student interactions
- • Explore additional techniques for creating consistent, relational moments
Session 3: Reaching Disconnected or Hard-to-Reach Students
- • Identify students who remain emotionally or socially disconnected
- • Collaborate with peers to brainstorm targeted strategies for inclusion and trust-building
- • Select and apply one new approach with a focus student
Session 4: Sustaining Relational Practices in Daily Teaching
The methodology
Teachers will learn in small groups of 2-5 colleagues, meeting once a week for 4 weeks. Sessions are 1.5 hours and can be in-person or online.
For teachers and support staff
Duration: 12 hours
4 sessions
Live peer-to-peer learning