SESC Snapshot
August 28, 2024
SESC Training Opportunities
SESC is here to support you in all of your training needs. We offer a variety of training options throughout the year, in both asynchronous and in-person varieties. Whether you are needing professional development hours, or need help in a specific area, SESC has it all. Check out all of our upcoming trainings by clicking here!
The Importance of an Inclusive Welcome: Greeting Students at the Door
Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at the start of each school day can significantly impact students' emotional and academic success. One effective strategy for achieving this is through greeting students at the door. This simple yet powerful practice fosters a sense of belonging and sets a positive tone for the day, which is crucial for students’ social-emotional learning (SEL).
Research highlights the benefits of this approach. A study by the National Center for School Engagement (2009) found that students who experience a positive start to their day, such as a warm greeting from their teacher, are more likely to be engaged in classroom activities and demonstrate higher levels of academic achievement. This aligns with findings from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research (2012), which indicate that positive teacher-student relationships contribute to increased student motivation and academic performance. By incorporating inclusive greetings into daily routines, educators can help build trust and rapport with their students, making them feel valued and supported.
Greeting students at the door not only helps in establishing a positive classroom culture but also aligns with SEL principles that emphasize the importance of building strong interpersonal relationships. An inclusive welcome supports students in developing emotional resilience and social skills, creating a more conducive learning environment. As noted in a report by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) (2020), effective SEL practices like these lead to improved academic outcomes, enhanced behavior, and better overall student well-being.
Incorporating practices like greeting students at the door can transform classroom dynamics and support students’ overall development. By prioritizing an inclusive welcome, educators lay the groundwork for a successful and engaging learning experience throughout the academic year.
References
National Center for School Engagement. (2009). Student Engagement: What Is It? How Does It Relate to Student Achievement? Retrieved from www.schoolengagement.org
University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. (2012). Student-teacher Relationships and Academic Achievement. Retrieved from www.uccs.uchicago.edu
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (2020). The CASEL Guide to Schoolwide Social and Emotional Learning. Retrieved from www.casel.org
SESC Continuing Education Option (CEO) Rank Change Program Testimonial
At SESC, we believe in empowering educators to reach their full potential while advancing their careers. Our Continuing Education Option (CEO) Rank Change Program is designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexibility, affordability, and strategies that make a real difference. But don’t just take our word for it—hear directly from one of our current CEO participants, Rex Bray. Mr. Bray is a teacher at Clay County High School, and shared that he has found new inspiration and growth through our program.
“I just wanted to drop a line of appreciation, and a recommendation for this program that allows teachers to advance up a pay rank. Initially, I was hesitant and apprehensive about such a program. I'd been doing what I do for a long time, and to be honest had developed a certain routine, a safe routine. I knew I was too far into my career to make the investment into the traditional Rank I program, and had settled on the idea that I was stuck where I was.
I love the Program! I am learning so much about our craft, about our kids, and about new technologies and teaching theories. And I'm doing so on my time.
So, again, thank you for this program that is tailored to me as a working professional. Not only is it easy to afford, but it is honestly very convenient. Before I signed on, I got with our local Board of Education to find out how long it would take for me to recoup my investment. After thirteen months I will begin to realize a profit on this investment that is very minimal, and easy to pay by the month, with no interest.
If a teacher or administrator is on the fence about doing this, my advice would be for them to jump in. They'll be finished in one year, and will very soon realize a return on their investment. They will watch themselves grow as a professional, learning new techniques and technologies that will genuinely enhance the quality of their work.”
-Rex Bray
Clay County High School Teacher
Belonging in the Classroom
It's no secret that kids gravitate towards people and places that make them feel accepted. This means one of our challenges as educators is ensuring that our classrooms become one of those places where students feel safe and that we establish a culture of belonging among our students. It may be one of the greatest struggles in education: creating a learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging. It's one of those key pillars of education that are so easy to ignore until everything goes off the rails.
A simple way to vaccinate against an unhealthy classroom culture is through strong interpersonal relationships. How, you ask? I'm glad you did!
By creating opportunities for students to collaborate, share personal experiences, and develop mutual respect.
Activities that encourage team-building and open dialogue help students form connections with one another, promoting a sense of community.
Practice active listening and
Provide individualized support to address students' unique needs and concerns.
Students feel most accepted when they feel heard and understood by their teachers and peers.
We get to be one of the greatest influences in a child's life! Let's be great ones. Remember this: Kids naturally seek out environments where they feel accepted. As educators, it's crucial to create a classroom culture that fosters a sense of belonging. This can be one of the biggest challenges in education. We must recognize the importance of building a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
A simple way to prevent a toxic classroom culture is by forming strong interpersonal relationships. How? By providing opportunities for students to collaborate, share personal experiences, and show mutual respect. Team-building activities and open dialogue help students connect and build a sense of community. Actively listen and provide personalized support to address each student's unique needs and concerns.
Students thrive when they feel understood and heard by their teachers and peers.
Remember, we have the power to be among the most influential individuals in a child's life. Let's strive to make a positive impact.
