Wellness in Schools through Relationship-Building: A Call to Educators
As a new school year approaches, we know that schools can be both rewarding and demanding environments. Educators juggle a wide range of responsibilities, from fostering academic growth to supporting students’ social-emotional development, all while managing the daily complexities of school life. It’s no secret that these pressures can be overwhelming. Yet, as we set our sights on the new school year, there’s an opportunity to dedicate our focus to something truly powerful: relationship-building.
By prioritizing strong, supportive relationships—among staff and between educators and students—we create a foundation for wellness that can positively impact the entire school community. This focus on connection helps us navigate the inevitable challenges of the year with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. It’s about intentionally creating a space where people feel safe, valued, and seen—not just for what they do, but for who they are. When we reflect on school communities that foster wellness in relationships, there is compassion and inclusion, celebration of voice, forgiveness, and fresh starts. I refer to these as Relationspaces. In my work infusing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) principles in school climates, I’ve seen how focusing on strengths and possibilities, can shift the energy in a school community. SFBT encourages individuals in part, to focus on their resources, resilience, and assets, rather than their shortcomings. A strengths-based perspective fundamentally alters the way we engage with one another.
Imagine a school year where, as educators, we actively notice and celebrate the strengths of our students, colleagues, and ourselves. When we pause to reflect on what’s going well, we open the door to positive, solution-oriented conversations. For example, as we set out to notice student attributes, we can begin to ask: What personal strengths do you bring to this classroom (interests, characteristics, abilities, successes)? How can these strengths contribute to your success this year? How might you use one of these strengths today to support a small success? When we acknowledge and leverage these strengths, we create an environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to contribute and grow.
It is just as useful to use a strength-based approach with ourselves as educators. Reflecting on our own contributions from the previous year can help us to approach a new school year with a deeper sense of purpose and confidence. We can ask ourselves – What worked well for my students last year? What were some of my practices that made a meaningful difference in their learning? How do I know these made a difference? These questions help to identify small wins that we may not have noticed at the time but that had a significant impact. This reflection not only boosts morale but also informs our strategies for the year ahead.
We can also take the time to prioritize nurturing relationships with our colleagues. When we verbally show appreciation, offer support, and engage in open dialogue with our peers, we create a stronger, more connected school community. This collective sense of camaraderie and collaboration enhances our ability to work through challenges together and celebrate each other’s successes.
When we begin the year focused on relationship-building and strength-based communication—we intentionally orient ourselves toward a school culture that is built on mutual respect and understanding – A culture where students feel supported and valued, and where educators are able to thrive in an environment of collaboration and trust. By focusing on wellness and prioritizing relationships, we set a tone for the year that promotes positivity, growth, and resilience. It’s in these connections—whether through simple acts of kindness or more intentional practices of communication—that we foster a school environment where both students and staff feel a deep sense of belonging.
The beginning of the school year is an invitation to reset, to be mindful of how we engage with one another, and to create a school community that promotes wellness through relationship-building. Together, we can make this year one of growth, connection, and healing—a place where every individual feels valued and supported. Let’s embrace the power of relationships, and in doing so, create a school community that shines with possibility.
Wishing you a great start to the school year!
Vicky
