No More Teaching Without Positive Relationships

by M. Colleen Cruz, Tanya Milner-McCall (Contributor), Tyrone C. Howard (Contributor)

Teachers know the importance of strong relationships with their students, but sometimes connecting with them feels challenging. No More Teaching Without Positive Relationships reviews the teacher-student relationship research and provides practices for building relationships that make a difference. To learn, students need positive relationships with their teachers. So what gets in the way and how can we do better? Since there is no one way to make every relationship positive, authentic, sustainable, and trusting, the authors provide a range of strategies for building and maintaining connections with students. They also discuss critical considerations such Positive teacher-student relationships do not just transform student learning-they also create more stimulating and caring classrooms. A true relationship is dynamic, often requiring a change in behaviors and mindsets. It can be intense work, but it is the kind of work that can change a student's life.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Professional Development, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2020

About the author

In addition to being the author of The Unstoppable Writing Teacher, M. Colleen Cruz is the author of several other titles for teachers, including Independent Writing and A Quick Guide to Helping Struggling Writers, as well as the author of the young adult novel Border Crossing, a Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award Finalist. Colleen was a classroom teacher in general education and inclusive settings before joining the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project where she is Director of Innovation. Colleen presently supports schools, teachers and their students nationally and internationally as a literacy consultant.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read professional text for any person working with children of any age, in any capacity.

[Nicholas Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad text. I think this is a good book for first year teachers. I really enjoyed the sections on culture and microaggressions, as those are areas even veteran teachers need to acknowledge and grow in to meet the changing diversity of students.

Also a lot of good links to references and resources for teachers of all stages.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read for any teacher, new or veteran, who wants to build stronger relationships with students. It's both deeply rooted in research and educational philosophy AND practical with immediate tools to use. I'm looking forward to rereading this and recommending it widely!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid arguments and examples for the power of positive relationships with students as the best means for making an impact. However, in order to be fully doable, there must be buy-in from all stakeholders, including administration and families to allow for the time to really build genuine relationships. Teachers are constantly asked to do more without acknowledging that some things may need to be replaced or lessened to do important work. Good teachers already do many of these strategies inherently like get to know you surveys, ask about student's areas of personal interest, weekends, etc. Some of the suggestions don't feel truly doable at the high school level. Overall, this was an easy read and one that fostered great discussion with colleagues.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, this is a book for ALL educators regardless of age level or position. If you work with students, you need this book. Professional books can sometimes be daunting to tackle as they can be very long with an overwhelming amount of information and resources. This book is very accessible at 85 pages. I read it in one sitting. There are so many great reflection questions to use in your learning and strategies to use with students. Everything offered in this book is backed up with data and research and includes a lens on equity and culturally responsive practices. If you are wanting to strengthen your relationships with the students in your classroom or support teachers as an instructional coach or administrator in this journey, this book is for you.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for beginning teachers to incorporate culturally relevant practices into their classroom delivery, and a good check for veteran teachers. I feel the book was heard primarily towards white teachers, but there are some good take aways and self-reflective tidbits for all educators. A good discussion book to reflect on practices with your grade level and or school.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for beginning teachers either still in their credentialing programs or within their first 1-3 years of teaching (but a nice reflective reminder for more seasoned educators). Like most books about education, seems best tailored towards white teachers and elementary/middle school.

[Caitlin Trepp · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked about this book is that it is supported by research. The authors discuss how and why project-based learning, Kagan Cooperative Strategies and other kinesthetic strategies, and peer collaboration, and creating and maintaining positive relationships with students are so important. These strategies are effective for teaching content in an equitable, positive, and healthy way. While I was recommended this book for secondary, I believe some of the strategies listed in the beginning as suggestions are only suited for primary. I wish that had been indicated somewhere on the cover. Also, while it goes over the importance of relationships, it really doesn't develop the "how" or have that personal touch. It doesn't feel educator-written. It feels district-driven.

[Peter DiMauro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teacher friends may be interested in this one — I read this for work since it will be the anchor text for June PD I’m co-facilitating in support of our revamped advisory program launching next year. I found it incredibly helpful and practical, check it out if you want to dig deeper into the research and strategies around the incomparable impact of relationships on student learning.

[Grace Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute joy to read. Accessible, practical, and relevant, this book provided a great overview of research while also including directly applicable strategies that teachers can adopt in their classrooms. Such an important and necessary read for teachers who recognize that teaching is more than just content knowledge convergence for students.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read with a good discussion of why relationships and rapport are so important in the classroom. It provides a brief overview of research, a few specific strategies, and does a good job discussing culturally responsive approaches.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and all teachers should read it!!!! The focus on testing is not helping kids!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was some great information and practical ideas. But, it felt like I needed more - then again that was not the intention of this book - Short quick read.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slim book was a great reminder of what I was taught in a recent alternative education class. It included some good reminders and things to try.

[Michelle Picard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding read - an outstanding book series.

[Austina Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

All educators should read this annually.

[EJ Vander Laan · Rating 3 out of 5]

great ideas, but felt a bit too much like a literature review