I believe that the most important thing that students need to succeed is to feel they matter. Before all else, students need to feel safe. They need to feel respected. They need to feel valued. To do this, as a teacher, you have to be connected – to ask questions, to pay attention, to be present, to actively listen. To meet students where they are at, you need to develop a trust and a strong rapport. Education is about so much more than academics. It’s about empowering students to know themselves and believe in themselves. “You matter” and “I care” is the message I want every single one of my students to get and to feel from me. In an era that we are constantly connected by technology, I want personal connection to be my mission.

– Kennedy Glascock