When students feel connected to their teachers, they are more likely to engage in adaptive behaviors, persist in the face of challenges, and respond creatively to problems[1].
At Green Meadow Waldorf School, teachers strive to build, nurture, and keep strong and healthy relationships with students. Often, a student at our school has the same teacher for at least two to three years, and sometimes longer. In high school, each class has two advisors, who ensure the class community’s healthy social development, between peers and in their work with other teachers.
Drawing from the research presented in this article, we can confirm the benefits of long-term teacher-student relationships in Waldorf schools through the lens of educational psychology and organizational theory.
Waldorf schools have long practiced “looping,” where teachers stay with the same group of students for multiple years. This practice aligns with the principles of self-determination theory (SDT) and leader-member exchange (LMX) theory. These theories suggest that positive relationships can have a significant impact on motivation, performance, and overall well-being for students and teachers alike.
One of the key advantages of long-term teacher-student relationships is the development of strong, positive connections. According to the research, positive teacher-student relationships (TSRs) are associated with higher grade point averages and test scores from kindergarten through high school[1]. This suggests that the continuity provided by Waldorf’s approach may contribute to improved academic outcomes over time.
The article also emphasizes the importance of meeting students’ need for relatedness, as described in self-determination theory. When students feel connected to their teachers, they are more likely to engage in adaptive behaviors, persist in the face of challenges, and respond creatively to problems[1]. The long-term relationships fostered in Waldorf schools provide ample opportunity for this sense of connection to develop and strengthen over time.
Interestingly, the research suggests that positive TSRs not only benefit students but also have a significant impact on teachers. Studies have found that positive relationships with students can promote teachers’ self-efficacy, emotional well-being, and job satisfaction[1]. Waldorf schools are especially unique because teachers tend to form close connections not only with their students, but also with parents and colleagues, likely due to experiencing increased job satisfaction and professional growth.
As teachers develop a deep understanding of their students’ strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles over the years, they can tailor their teaching methods to best support each student’s growth.
According to this article, there are four high-impact teaching practices that are known to promote student achievement: cognitive engagement, problem-solving and critical thinking, affective engagement, and instructional monitoring[1]. Long-term teacher-student relationships in Waldorf schools facilitate the implementation of these practices more effectively. As teachers develop a deep understanding of their students’ strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles over the years, they can tailor their teaching methods to best support each student’s growth.
For example, cognitive engagement, which involves connecting instruction with students’ lives and showing relevance, is enhanced in Waldorf schools as teachers gain intimate knowledge of their students’ experiences and interests over time. Similarly, affective engagement, which focuses on making lessons enjoyable and interesting, is likely more easily achieved when teachers have a long-standing rapport with their students, allowing them to better tend to each child’s unique needs.
The long-term teacher-student relationships central to Waldorf education align well with current research on the benefits of positive TSRs. This approach not only supports student academic achievement and personal growth but also contributes to teacher satisfaction and effectiveness. By fostering deep connections between teachers and students over multiple years, Waldorf schools create an environment that promotes engagement, motivation, and holistic development for all members of the educational community.
Citations: [1] Xintong Li, Christi Bergin, Amanda A. Olsen, Positive teacher-student relationships may lead to better teaching, Learning and Instruction, Volume 80, 2022, 101581, ISSN 0959-4752,
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