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 At Shady Side Academy, the belief in the importance of strong, supportive teacher-student relationships is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. Research consistently shows these connections are vital for adolescents' growth and development. Our dedicated educators, supported by small class sizes, prioritize each student’s well-being, fostering an environment where meaningful relationships can flourish.

In line with this commitment, a cohort of administrators and teachers from the Senior School and Middle School participated in the "Deepening Teacher-Student Connections by Learning Therapeutic Practices" workshop at the Stanley H. King Institute. This experience was not just about acquiring counseling skills but about enriching the relational teaching approach that lies at the heart of our educational practice.

The Stanley H. King Institute specializes in equipping educators with counseling and listening techniques designed to deepen teacher-student relationships. The goal isn't to turn teachers into counselors but to empower them to better understand and respond to students' emotional and developmental needs. By integrating these therapeutic practices into their teaching, SSA faculty members can more effectively support students, addressing developmental challenges and recognizing when professional help is necessary.

For the Middle School, in particular, this workshop aligned with their commitment to enhancing the Advisory Program and promoting restorative practices. It provided Head Form Advisors with valuable tools to lead more thoughtful and impactful conversations with students, both informally and within structured programs."

This was an exceptional learning experience for our Head Form Advisors, allowing them to gain more practice in leading meaningful student-adult conversations," says Michelle Merson, Head of the Middle School.

The skills acquired through this workshop directly contribute to our educators' ability to apply relational teaching in ways that are both supportive and transformative for our students.