21: Connection Before Content: How to Build Meaningful Relationships with Your Students

Summer school teachers, this is for you!The secret to a thriving classroom, even in the summer, starts with genuine connections. I’m Dr. LaToya Crockett, and today I chat with transformational speaker and educator Wynette Richardson—aka “The Teacher’s Champion”—on how to lay the foundation for learning through authentic rapport in a short amount of time.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:🎯 Why Relationships Matter: How Ms. Mildred Echols and Ms. Wanda White shaped Wynette’s why—and how you can discover yours.🔑 Day-One Strategies: Showing up as your true self, framing intentional get-to-know-you questions, and embedding “not optional” participation without pressure.🤝 Inclusivity Tactics: Paper-and-pen alternatives, talking pieces, and flex options that ensure every learner’s voice is heard.🌱 Short-Term Contexts: Quick rapport-building norms for summer school and long-term subs that accelerate trust—even in 20 days.🛠️ Daily Check-Ins: Mood meters, 1–100 scales, and emoji prompts to keep your finger on the pulse of student well-being.Love this episode? Subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow educator!Connect with Wynette: https://www.wynetterichardson.com/