Revealing Jesus Through Teacher Relationships: How Educators’ Relationships Impact the Ethos of the Learning Environment

Abstract

This chapter draws on data from original qualitative research to explore the nature of the relationships which may contribute to an educational learning environment with a Christian ethos. The literature revealed the importance of positive relationships on student achievement, socioemotional wellbeing and connection, but also highlighted a scarcity of research that explored the nature of educators’ relationships and how they shape perceptions of the learning environment. Using the Gospel of John as an exemplar of Jesus’ relationships, this investigation used a narrative sensemaking approach to identify six types of relationships that teachers and administrators value as influencing their own capacity to understand and practise Christian education.