“Trust is not earned through heroic deeds, or even highly visible actions, but through paying attention, listening, and gestures of genuine care and connection.”

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown (2018)

I believe that the best learning can occur when you are cared for and have people around you that you can trust. I have interpreted this quote by Brene Brown to mean that we can build trust with others through connecting with them as people and listening to what they have to say. Being a good teacher is not about the big, showy things that are done and fancy materials in a classroom but instead the small moments that happen when students are able to connect with the teacher and trust them entirely. 

As a teacher I will work to build meaningful relationships with my students by being there for them as people outside of just the curriculum so they understand that I care about them beyond a grade. I want students to know they are free to speak in my class and that I will always be there to listen. If they want help finding a solution or just an adult they trust to hear them, they can come to me. No matter what grade I am teaching I plan to meet students where they are at and work to gain their trust through small actions of listening, paying attention and supporting them however they need.