Want To Connect With Students? Keep Up With The Latest Trends

By Kati Begen, EdSource

March 24, 2023

It seems as though each week there is a new trend on social media that teens are obsessed with. Students come into my classroom saying the most random slang terms, ones that make my brain hurt just trying to understand. One time, a student was impressed that I wore Vans shoes because they didn’t think my age group knew about them (I’m in my 30’s…).

With all these trends and slang constantly changing, it’s enough to make you dizzy. While it’s easy to write off these trends, roll our eyes, and make a comment about today’s youth, instead we should learn from them. Taking time to keep up with trends can help you connect with your students and even your own children.

If we think back to the teachers who made a difference in our lives, I highly doubt it was because of their curriculum or how they graded. Most of us look back on our former teachers with love because of how they connected with us. Making the effort to connect and understand students will greatly benefit your classroom management and the overall culture of the room.

Let’s be honest, teachers aren’t in the profession for fame and money. We are here because we love students and working with them brings us joy. Now that I am a veteran teacher I can feel that joy leaving sometimes. I feel the weight of the profession and I often have to take a step back to refocus.

Remembering what brought me to this profession helps me realign and enjoy my job again. These kids, no matter what grade level you teach, deserve a teacher that truly enjoys sharing space with them. While they may be a little odd sometimes, they can also be wonderfully weird and bring so much joy to all.

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Kati Begen is a mom to three children, a high school biology educator, and a credential coach in Fresno.

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