"No significant learning can happen without first the creation of a significant relationship."

This gem of wisdom hit me in a recent conversation with a district leader.

It was in reference to her time as an educator, and how student learning plays out in the classroom.

For learning to happen, it boiled down to creating a sense of belonging for every student in the school.

A sense they have knowing that they have adults at their school site who care about them, who they know they can turn to, who they know are going to be there for them no matter what happens in their lives.

When I heard this, I immediately reflected on all the times I've learnt in my life.

I distinctly remember my Economics teacher in high school who believed in me far more than I believed in myself.

He pushed me far outside my comfort zone, into student leadership and even into sporting achievement.

His impact on me went far beyond the classroom, and the learning I received far more than the Economics syllabus.

That got me thinking further: does this apply just to kids? Or do we learn best as adults too when we have a significant relationship? And what does that mean for us when we lead others in the workplace?

If we want to create the best possible learning environment for our students in school, that is inclusive and can benefit kids of all abilities and backgrounds, we need to create a school environment that fosters "significant relationships".

But how?

It all starts with our teachers on the front lines. If they feel this sense of belonging, this sense that their principal's got their back, it is far more likely that they are able to demonstrate the same care for their students.

Principals too need role models in the district office and mentors who care for them and guide them through a tough job, to allow them to demonstrate that care for their teachers.

This flows all the way up to district leaders.

So even as we navigate the busy-ness of the last few weeks of the school year, one question to ask ourselves should be:

How can I show care for one person on my team who needs it today?

You never know how far the impact of that single act of kindness can go.

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CT (CheeTung) Leong

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PS: if you want to hear the full interview from above, just hit reply with "Yes" and I'll shoot over the link.