If you attended one of our Back-to-School-Nights, I hope one of your main takeaways was understanding the transformative power relationships have on learning. The connection between a student and their teacher is important and essential to deep, meaningful learning. David Brooks of The New York Times highlights an idea we hold dear: “Students learn from people they love.” This isn’t just about affection or care; it’s about a profound, holistic connection where students feel seen, heard, and supported as whole individuals.
Brooks shares how emotions are an integral part of learning. Neuroscience has shown that students struggle to stay motivated, navigate challenges, or retain what they learn without emotional engagement. It’s a reminder that true education is more than just the transfer of information from teacher to student —it’s about creating a space where students are emotionally and intellectually connected and inspired.
During your BTSN sessions, I hope this approach to how children learn rang true. Our teachers bring passion to the classroom, not just for the subjects they teach but for the students themselves. They recognize that to spark curiosity, foster perseverance, and encourage intellectual bravery, there must first be a foundation of trust and emotional connection. We know that students thrive when they feel supported not just academically but personally, when teachers are more than instructors—they are mentors, guides, and partners.
In a world that often focuses on test scores and metrics, it’s crucial to remember that one of the most important measurements of a school’s success is the quality of the relationships within its walls. How well do students feel known? How much trust and care flow between students and teachers? How much joy is present in the classroom? These are the questions that define our success at Saklan. We see every day that when relationships are nurtured, academic achievement naturally follows- and we have the data to prove it (check my next blog post).
So, as we move forward into this school year, let’s keep in mind that in order to create a love of learning, one needs to also focus on the love in learning.
Warmly,
David
FRIDAY BLOG 