Fostering Teacher-Student Relationships: A Case Study Connecting Middle School Teachers, Authentic Local History, and Empathetic Competence

This co-authored qualitative case study explores the problem of teachers connecting with their students especially at the middle school level. While research has established the need for teachers to better understand the background experiences of their students, more research is needed to explore the value of place-based professional development in promoting more effective teacher-student relationships (TSRs). Using a psychological theory known as Relational-Cultural Theory, we sought to examine the following research questions while also applying this theory to the field of education. What insights does RCT offer in an exploration of how teachers engage in challenging local history? How does a teacher's knowledge and awareness of a student's neighborhood of origin influence the teacher-student relationship? What impact does an immersive experience in a neighborhood's local history have toward increasing teacher's empathetic competence? This qualitative research design utilized a case study approach to explore the impact of a place-based professional development experience within the local community for middle school teachers at a small charter school in urban St. Louis. Through a series of in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and a focus group interview, data were triangulated to further study this phenomenon. This was accomplished through a reflexive thematic analysis procedure (Terry & Hayfield, 2021) to derive themes and overall patterns of meaning. The study yielded the following findings: Teachers want better connections to their students. Teachers see how local history and knowledge of place can help build a relationship (reciprocity, shared knowledge). Teachers can use local history as a tool to build a relationship with students and their families. And teachers see the value of local history thus preferring more professional development and student learning opportunities that incorporate authentic local history. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]