What is relational trust and how do we foster it in our schools?

Abstract

<p>What is relational trust? </p><p> It is timely with so much change happening in Aotearoa schools that we revisit the notion of relational trust. </p><p> With the rise in expectation around collaborative pedagogy associated with innovative learning environments, issues of trust and risk-taking become paramount. </p><p> It is unlikely that much can be achieved without a particular leadership focus on trust. </p><p> Trust is relational when it is developed around agreed norms of safety, risk-taking, and a growth orientation (Cranston, 2011). Nurturing a culture of relational trust and mutual respect is important when implementing change and promoting growth in your school (Edwards-Groves, Grootenboer & Ronnerman, 2016). Relational Trust is premised on the belief that the behaviour of another person or a group will be altruistic and personally and professionally beneficial. </p><p> Relational trust has been described as the 'ground zero' for schooling improvement (Hallam, Dulaney, Hite, & Smith, 2014) and it is a critical element for fostering the type of school culture necessary for effective teacher collaboration and successful schools (Vostal, Horner & LaVenia, 2019).</p>