Teachers play a significant role in students’ lives, shaping their academic growth, personal development, and future aspirations. Teachers not only provide knowledge but offer guidance, encouragement, and a safe space for life. A teacher’s belief in a student’s potential can make an everlasting impact on a student’s success in or outside a classroom. 

As educators for K-12, teachers still make sure their former students are getting the proper assistance they need whether it’s learning or life in general. They offer constant support and open doors for students to take advantage of that resource.  

“If I am having trouble, she is always the first to respond and she’ll always help me, Brooke Chorpening said, a former student from Chiles High School. “It’s just someone I can kind of fall back on.” 

Teachers inspire students and remind them that they are capable of achieving anything. Those words of encouragement goes a long way for students for their future endeavors. All it takes is that one teacher pushing that individual to be the best they can be. 

“As a teacher, it’s not just about teaching academics; you have to tell them they can do great things in life,” said Edna Taylor, a math teacher at Chiles High School. “They always come back and say, ‘You told me I could do it.’” 

It takes a community to raise a child. Students need extra support, even if it’s not coming from home, they can find it at school. Some teachers or guidance counselors offer that safe space for students to feel comfortable and openly talk about certain topics. 

“They seek out their teachers, because sometimes they don’t feel that they can’t speak with their parents about certain situations and concerns,” said Shantiella Mann Chambers, Guidance Counselor at Nims Middle School. 

Students build strong, almost parental relationships with their teachers who offer both tough love and nurturing support. This ensures that students know that teachers got their backs in every way. In return students show their appreciation by watering into those connections and building their relationships.

“I heard the students refer to me as their ‘school dad,’ and that made me feel like what I’m doing is impactful,”said Delton Chambers, a social studies teacher at Nims Middle School. “It reminded me that my efforts matter and are appreciated.” 

When teachers develop a positive relationship with their students, students are motivated to exceed abundantly. They don’t want to disappoint those who believed in them. Many teachers have stories of students who remember their positive influence or words of encouragement that made a difference in their lives. 

On the other hand, negative impressions can leave a mark on students’ lives. It can potentially affect their success and confidence. The relationships teachers build with students can have a lasting influence on student lives. 

Karlisa Ross, Assistant Principal at Pineview Elementary School said, “Relationships are important because of the impact that it has on students beyond the classroom.”