We all know that value of building relationships with students, or at least I hope everyone knows that
by now. I believe it is important for students to know that relationship does not end on graduation day for two reasons. First if we really do care about our students, that does no just turn off one day. Secondly, when current students see or here that you still hear from former students and that you are happy about that, it is easier for them to believe your care is genuine. It may be a bit different for me because I teach a college readiness class for seniors so when they go off to college they know they can contact me when they need a bit of encouragement, tough talk or help with a problem at college. Social media makes that easier than in the past. As part of my college readiness class, I also have students from prior years come talk to
my class about college. Current students know that past students would not bother to come back to high school unless they respect and care for the teacher. Also, current student see me interact with past students and can tell by the smiles, hugs and laughter that I truly do think a lot of them.
Many students are already dealing with trust issues, rough home life, drama or mental health issues and do not need someone else bailing on them. Many may feel that way if the day they graduate, their high school teacher are "done" with them. So consider keeping in contact with your students or at least be open to former students following you on social media or answering a phone call or having lunch sometime. Many students need to keep that relationship as they leave high school and start learning to fly. You will not hear from all of them, but you may find that some of them may even become friends in the years following high school.
