Relationship and community building is a core consideration in shaping engaging and accessible classrooms. This workshop will explore two connected concepts - rapport and relationality - and how they shape classroom dynamics and learning. Through reflection, practice, and conversation, participants will learn ways to nurture rapport and relationality to support student success and create inclusive, caring learning environments.
 
Together, we will aim to: 

1. Explain the connections and differences between rapport and relationality
2. Practice activities for relationship building in classrooms
3. Reflect on how relationality connects teaching and learning practices to broader community and culturalrelationships

Presenters: Mandy Penney and Jenny Foley

Note: Registration closes by 8:30AM on February 18, 2026.

This session qualifies as a Future Prof credit towards the Western Certificate in University Teaching & Learning. 

Future Prof Series Description
These interactive seminars for future professors and professionals provide valuable insight into teaching and career-strategies across the disciplines. The workshops in this series are constantly evolving to meet the current interests of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.