A good advisory program most importantly starts with relationships. The teacher must create a safe space for students. A great advisory creates an environment where students get to know each other and the teacher. It creates a community where students feel comfortable getting help from. This could be as simple as help with a homework problem or as complicated as help with a fight with a friend. Students should feel comfortable with those around them.
A great advisory gives every student an adult advocate. Advisory and adult advocacy go hand in hand. They work so well together. An advisory teacher is given a number of students they can look out for and support. A good advisory will give students the guidance they need. The teacher will look out for the student academically and developmentally. He or She will be there as a problem solver and helper. A good advisory teacher communicates with other teachers to better understand each student academically and has constant conversations with students. Most importantly a great advisory teacher creates a bridge between students and the rest of the school. They are someone who can connect students and support them academically and developmentally.
Hey Merchant! I love your post, especially regarding the relationship building. It is an essential part of an advisory- really the only important thing. I love that you touched upon advocacy and the inherent relationship that is needed to create a sufficient advisory. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteKristen, I really appreciate that you commented on the importance of creating community through relationship building. Students will find success in their learning if they are comfortable in the classroom and happy to be there. Building positive relationships and communities is so essential to learning!
ReplyDeleteYes! Relationships - advocacy - academic supports for success - all of the ingredients for a successful advisory program!
ReplyDelete