How Vulnerability and Authenticity Can Help Build Trust in the Classroom

In order to build relationships with our students, we must be vulnerable. Vulnerability allows us to create a sense of trust, and when we are safe in that trust, we can be ourselves and explore new ideas. I am not suggesting that we teachers need to share all of our personal business with our classes, but rather that we model making mistakes and being open.

So, what is vulnerability? It is a term that has been used in various ways by different people, but in general, it is a state of trust. When we are vulnerable, we allow ourselves to be open and real with our students. This allows them to see us as we are, and it builds a trusting relationship.

Now, vulnerability is not a new concept in the classroom. In fact, many teachers have been using it for years to build relationships with their students.

But what is changing is the way that we are defining vulnerability. We are no longer shy about it. We are no longer afraid of it. We are no longer hiding from it.

And that is a good thing.

There are a few reasons why this is a good thing.

First of all, when we model vulnerability we are open and real with our students, they see us as we are. This allows them to build a deeper relationship with us.

Second, when we are vulnerable, we are more likely to let our guard down. This allows us to be more open and real with our students, and to explore new ideas.

And lastly, when we are vulnerable, we are more likely to be ourselves. This is a key ingredient in building a relationship with our students because it allows us to be authentic.

Some of the ways we can encourage vulnerable behaviors in the classroom are by sharing our stories, feelings, and ideas. We should also encourage our students to do the same. By modeling being vulnerable and real, we can help our students become more comfortable being themselves.

Another way to start building vulnerability is to talk to your students about your own emotions. Share what you are feeling in the moment, and let them know about the emotions that have affected you in the past.

The most valuable way to show your vulnerability is to share that you are human too and that you make mistakes. Too often we hide behind perfection and communicate to our students that perfection is achievable.