Centering Quality Relationships In Education
When it comes to creating relationship-rich environments for young people, the education system is bursting with potential – teachers, coaches, bus drivers, and other staff members are all in a unique position to positively impact our nation’s youth. It is critical that we support them in doing so, for it is only by being intentional in our approach to student-adult relationships that we can ensure that all young people feel seen, heard, and valued; and only by meeting young people’s social and emotional needs, alongside their academic ones, can we truly achieve student success.
Partnerships
- READY SET: As a founding partner of this national tutor, mentor and service recruitment campaign, MENTOR works with partner organizations to engage adult volunteers and ensure that all young people have the support needed to thrive and strive.
- National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS): As a supporting champion of this initiative, MENTOR provides leadership and expertise to a diverse coalition of nonprofits, school districts, state and local education agencies, federal agencies, philanthropy, and national and community organizations working to ensure that students have access to critical relationships, resources, and opportunities
Relationship-Centered Schools
A central piece in our efforts to positively impact the education system is our work with relationship-centered schools. By promoting intentional student-adult relationships and raising awareness around the importance of providing young people equitable access to quality supports, we are empowering youth both inside and outside of the classroom. Here are resources on the benefits and best practices surrounding relationship-centered schools.
Relationship-Centered Schools Resources
In the News
The Hechinger Report – MENTOR’s Grassroots Organizing Manger Amaris Ramey – ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bills Will Make it Harder for Teachers to Support Students Like Me
The 74 Million – MENTOR CEO David Shapiro – Op-ed: In his state of the union address, President Biden called on all Americans to step up for students. Here are 3 places to start.
The 74 Million – MENTOR CEO David Shapiro and iCouldBe Executive Director Kate Schrauth – Op-ed: Virtual mentoring was invaluable during the pandemic. Keeping it going can close the gap for the 1 in 3 Students who need a mentor’s help
The Hill – MENTOR CEO David Shapiro and Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Stephanie M. Jones, The youth mental health crisis is real, but teachers can’t solve it alone
Youth Today – MENTOR CEO David Shapiro and American Student Assistance’s President & CEO Jean Eddy – When relationships come first in schools, success follows
Thrive Global – MENTOR CEO David Shapiro, Van Jones (CNN and REFORM Alliance), and Deborah Marcus (CAA Foundation) – Guest column: America’s students need us more than ever. Leading health organizations declare a national emergency in children’s mental health