While charging teachers to ensure they take care of themselves so that they can effectively pour into their students, high school teacher Rochelle Harris-Burrell also implored educators to give their students a voice to aid in developing better teacher-student relationships and producing well-rounded students.

Speaking at the recently held JN Bank Teacher’s Day Luncheon at JN Group’s Corporate Offices in St Andrew on May 4, Harris-Burrell urged teachers to see students as human beings and to always take their thoughts and feelings into consideration.

“Have a conversation with the students. Ask them for their opinions on things. Allow them to feel as though their contributions matter, because it does,” she commented.

Harris-Burrell, who is also a teacher of biology and integrated science at Campion College in St Andrew, added that teachers are not able to adequately plan for their students if they don’t know what their interests are.

Pulling from her own experiences, she provided examples of tactics she has used to support her students and to give them a voice.

“At the start of every academic year, I used to have a conversation with my students about their expectations and so on. Since 2020, I have resorted to creating a Google form and I ask them their names, birthdays interests, their expectations from me, what they expect from the class, the things they’re looking forward to and the things that they dislike about classroom operations,” she explained.

She noted that after assessing the data, she is better positioned to plan for her students, as she knows what they expect of her and what they are looking forward to.

The educator, who has over 10 years’ experience in the classroom, noted that she does not take an authoritative approach to her teaching style, but instead takes all her students’ collective and individual interests into consideration.

“Having that voice being heard makes a huge difference in how they operate in the classroom,” she shared. “Halfway through the term, I would send another Google form evaluating how they feel about the class and what are some of the things they enjoyed, things we can improve on and their recommendations for the rest of the term.”

At that juncture, she said she would ask them how they felt about the studies so far and use that information to decide how she proceeds for the rest of the term.

“I find that they are more appreciative and more willing to engage with the content because it is matches their interest. In other words, they feel welcomed and like they are a part of the space rather than just being in a space,” she said.

Harris-Burrell, who also holds a masters degree in special education, said her students have often expressed to her that they appreciate the fact that she demonstrates care about their wellbeing and not only about their academic performance.

The science educator also expressed that her students report that they feel like they are in a safe space when in her classroom, and that lessons include activities that they like and have an interest in.

Additionally, Harris-Burrell encouraged teachers to model the behaviour that they want their students to display.

“For example, if I’m going to tell my students to respect their classmates and other people’s opinions, I cannot shut them down or disregard theirs when they express it. I have to model the behaviour I want them to demonstrate,” she explained.

Finally, she reminded her fellow teachers that the same vim and vigour that they put into reaching students, they should put into safeguarding their own well-being.

“Rest, eat well, exercise, understand your circumstances and know what works for you,” she advised.

Similarly, Petal James, chief of retail sales at JN Bank, reminded teachers that their well-being is important:

“Your entire lives need not be only a life of sacrifice for our nation,” she said.

“You should also feel rewarded – not only through the lives you’ve impacted over the years and by the long service awards you receive, but confident that you are also being served by those who you serve,” she said.

James pledged JN Bank’s continued partnership with teachers to help them to chart their way forward personally, financially and professionally.