Building Trust Through Communication: Expert Strategies for Teachers, Coaches, and Administrators

Building Trust Through Communication: Expert Strategies for Teachers, Coaches, and Administrators

Author: Jeffrey Bradbury - TeacherCast Educational Network April 21, 2025 Duration: 43:52
In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury speaks with Erica Bare and Tiffany Burns about their experiences in education, the importance of communication with students, and the launch of their book 'Connecting Through Conversation.' They discuss the challenges and strategies for building relationships with students across different age groups, the significance of trust and community in education, and practical applications of their communication strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to engage with students meaningfully and create a culture of connection within schools. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today!

Conversation Takeaways

  • Building relationships with students is crucial for effective teaching.
  • Small talk is foundational for meaningful conversations with students.
  • Trust is essential for a positive learning environment.
  • Communication strategies should be tailored to different age groups.
  • Creating a culture of connection starts from day one in the classroom.
  • Educators must model respectful disagreement and dialogue.
  • Professional development should be practical and accessible for busy educators.
  • The book serves as a resource for educators to enhance their communication skills.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Work
  • 03:03 The Genesis of the Book
  • 06:04 Building Relationships with Students
  • 08:49 Communication Strategies Across Age Groups
  • 11:52 Creating a Culture of Connection
  • 14:56 The Role of Trust in Education
  • 18:00 Engaging with Students in Middle School
  • 21:06 The Importance of Community and Culture
  • 23:55 Practical Applications of Communication Strategies
  • 26:59 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Initiatives
  • 29:51 Conclusion and Resources

About our Guests:

Erika Bare

Erika Bare has been an educator for over 20 years, currently serving as the Superintendent in the South Umpqua School District in Oregon. A special education teacher by training, she is passionate about supporting all students through individual supports to reach their limitless potential.

Tiffany Burns

Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in education, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students. Tiffany has been an administrator since 2012 and an elementary school principal for the past nine years. This year, she is on a professional sabbatical, teaching university pre-service teachers, while also connecting with educators across the nation, helping to grow the Connected Communicator Movement.

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Hosted by Jeff Bradbury of the TeacherCast Educational Network, Digital Learning Today is a conversation for educators who think strategically about the long game. This podcast moves beyond quick tech fixes to examine the underlying frameworks and leadership philosophies required for meaningful, lasting improvement in schools. It’s designed for those in the driver’s seat of change-principals, district administrators, and instructional coaches-who understand that real transformation is about systems, not just software. Listeners will find practical discussions on implementing digital learning initiatives effectively, crafting and executing school improvement plans that stick, and the nuanced work of fostering a collaborative, innovative culture among staff and students. The dialogue naturally bridges educational theory with the realities of school business and management, offering a grounded perspective on steering institutions forward. By focusing on sustainable models and big-picture ideas, each episode provides a space to reflect on the core structures that define modern education, making this podcast a resource for anyone committed to thoughtful, systemic growth in their learning community.
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