A new school year starts with connection
The start of a new school year brings excitement, change, and new challenges. New classrooms, new teachers, new friendships, and new expectations can bring a mix of emotions for children and teens.
One of the most powerful things a caring adult can do is remind a young person: "I'm here for you."
Being their person means creating a relationship where children and teens feel seen, heard, and supported—not just when things are going well, but especially when life feels difficult.
Small moments of connection throughout the school year can help build confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Parents, caregivers, educators, coaches, and other trusted adults all have the opportunity to be that person. While every role looks different, the goal is the same: helping young people know they are valued, supported, and never alone.
Educators can Be Their Person
Educators are uniquely positioned to Be Their Person because they see students nearly every day and may notice changes before anyone else. Being "their person" doesn't mean becoming a counselor or solving every problem—it means being a trusted adult who notices, listens, and helps students feel safe, seen, and supported.
Here are a few ways educators can live out the Be Their Person message:
Every day: create connection
Students are more likely to ask for help when they feel like they belong.
- Learn and use students' names.
- Greet students as they enter the classroom.
- Celebrate effort, not just achievement.
- Find something positive to notice about each student.
- Make time for casual conversations.
Remember: A two-minute conversation can have a lasting impact.
Look
Pay attention to changes that may signal a student needs support.
Notice if a student:
- Becomes unusually quiet or withdrawn.
- Seems more anxious, angry, or emotional.
- Stops participating in class.
- Frequently misses school or arrives late.
- Has changes in friendships or behavior.
- Suddenly struggles academically.
- Appears tired or overwhelmed.
One change alone doesn't always mean something is wrong, but it may be worth checking in.
Listen
When a student opens up, your job isn't to fix everything.
Instead:
- Give them your full attention.
- Stay calm.
- Listen without judgment.
- Thank them for talking with you.
- Avoid minimizing their feelings.
- Let them know they're not alone.
Simple responses like:
- "I'm glad you told me."
- "That sounds really hard."
- "Thank you for trusting me."
can make a student feel heard.
Love
Show students they matter through consistency and care.
You can:
- Check in after a difficult day.
- Encourage them after setbacks.
- Celebrate small successes.
- Be patient when they're struggling.
- Help connect them with additional support when needed.
Sometimes the most important message is:
"I'm here, and I care."
Build belonging
Students thrive when they feel connected.
Create opportunities to:
- Build classroom community.
- Encourage kindness and inclusion.
- Foster respectful conversations.
- Help every student feel like they belong.
A connected classroom is a protective classroom.
Partner with families
Parents and educators work best as a team.
Share:
- Positive observations—not just concerns.
- Changes you've noticed.
- Resources when families need support.
- Encouragement and hope.
Strong home-school partnerships help students succeed both academically and emotionally.
Know when to connect students with help
Being their person doesn't mean handling every situation alone.
If you're concerned about a student's safety or well-being:
- Follow your school's policies and reporting procedures.
- Connect with counselors, social workers, or administrators.
- Continue being a caring, supportive adult.
Students benefit most when trusted adults work together.
You don't have to have all the answers
Students rarely remember every lesson you taught.
They often remember:
- The teacher who believed in them.
- The coach who noticed something was wrong.
- The school staff member who asked, "How are you really doing?"
- The adult who showed up, listened, and cared.
That's what it means to Be Their Person.