"Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be."

Wise words from 40-year veteran teacher, TED talk speaker, and professional development coach Rita F. Pierson.

Truly connecting with and championing your students requires one very important, key ingredient: trust. Without trust, there can be no respect, no nurturing, no safe space in which to grow and learn.