Lessons from the Pandemic: Student and Practitioner Perspectives on Mutually-Supportive Relationships

Research validates what students and educators have long known: learning happens through relationships. In a year where relationships between students and practitioners—teachers, AmeriCorps members serving in schools, out-of-school providers— have been interrupted and reimagined due to COVID-19, what can be learned from young people and adults about the ways they have mutually supported each other over the past year? What practices and policies can we draw from their experiences thus far that might be helpful for others during and after the pandemic? Join America’s Promise Alliance and City Year for a conversation with students and some of the practitioners who are supporting them as they discuss the importance and benefits of relationships as well as lessons learned from this school year on building strong relationships in challenging circumstances.