Relationship Building Intensive

Emily Dills's profile photo
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

  • • Reflect on growth in relationship-building over the course
  • • Finalize a sustainable plan to integrate relational practices into everyday instruction
  • • Celebrate successes and build a peer network for ongoing support and accountability

Instructor

Emily Dills's profile photo

Emily Dills

Emily Dills is an experienced educator, EQ coach, and founder dedicated to transforming how adults engage with kids. With almost 20 years in education, she brings a unique Dual-Generation EQ Model that equips caregivers, educators, and youth workers with practical emotional intelligence tools to better support children’s development. Emily’s work blends research-backed strategies with real-life experience to create confident, emotionally healthy adults who can help kids thrive.

How it works

You will join a group of 2 to 5 colleagues, and as a group, you will meet 4 times, either in person or online, at a time you all agree on.

1

Join a circle

Organize your study group with colleagues. You'll have 3 days to "match," from January 2 to January 5.

2

Agree on a schedule

Decide the most convenient time for your sessions, online or in person.

3

Join and collaborate

When the session arrives, connect with your colleagues and complete the activities together.

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