In previous posts, I’ve talked about setting goals for yourself as a teacher and for your students.
This blog takes the next step: following up with systematic student check-ins. These check-ins allow teachers to monitor student progress and well-being while fostering engagement.
I've been fortunate to have supervisors who regularly checked in on me to see how things were going, which helped my motivation and mental well-being. Just like adults, students need someone to check in on them periodically. These interactions don’t have to be formal or time-consuming; sometimes, a simple check-in can make all the difference.
Why Student Check-Ins Matter
Student check-ins don’t have to happen daily or even weekly—just regularly enough to keep communication open. Whether they are formal or informal, check-ins allow teachers to identify a student's successes, challenges, and overall well-being. There are many strategies for conducting these check-ins, but three key factors ensure their success: consistency, personalization, and efficient use of time.
How I Handled Student Check-Ins
When I taught, I aimed to check in with each student at least twice per semester,
plus one parent check-in. It may sound like a lot, but the time spent checking in with students paid off in fewer misunderstandings and improved classroom relationships. For example, one of the check-ins occurred around mid-term when I asked each student two simple questions:
What has been your biggest success so far this semester?
What is your biggest challenge right now?
I would spend one class period letting students work on an assignment while I met with each individually for a minute or so. These quick conversations helped me understand how they were doing and how I could support them.
The Long-Term Benefits
The benefits of these check-ins far outweighed any lost class time. Not only did they help me understand my students better, but they also built stronger relationships. In fact, years later, students have approached me to say, "Mr. Reed, you weren’t my favorite teacher, but I knew you cared." That kind of feedback is invaluable.
Other Ways to Check In
While one-on-one meetings are effective, there are other ways to accomplish check-ins. For example:
Use Google Forms to gather feedback on how students feel about their progress.
Poll students on when they would prefer tests or quizzes, helping them manage their workload better.
Establish "office hours" before or after school for students to drop in and talk.
Greet students at the door with a quick thumbs up/thumbs down to gauge their mood for the day.
These methods offer quick, informal ways to connect with students and help them feel heard.
Digital Tools for Check-Ins
In the digital age, there are even more tools for checking in. Some schools use online discussion boards or communication apps like “Slack” for students to communicate with teachers. There are also journaling apps, visual or emoji check-ins, and SEL (social-emotional learning) tools like "Mood Meter" or "Classcraft" that allow students to express their feelings without saying a word.
Impact on Students and Parents
These simple check-ins can prevent problems before they escalate. Students are rarely surprised with poor performance because they knew how they were doing well before final grades. Parents always appreciated hearing from me, not just when their child was struggling, but also when they were doing well. I received more positive feedback from parents when I reached out with good news than I ever did with bad. I heard many times “This is the first time I have ever received a phone call from school telling me how well my child is doing in class!”
Teacher-to-Teacher Check-Ins
Check-ins aren’t just for students—they’re valuable for teachers too. When was the last time you checked in with a new(er) or struggling colleague? These small gestures can foster teamwork and improve morale. I’ve had principals who made a point to stop by my classroom, every month or so, just to see how things were going. Now, I’m lucky to work in an environment where my boss and colleagues regularly check in on one another, creating a very supportive atmosphere.
Creating a Supportive School Climate
Teaching is a tough profession, full of constant changes in academic standards, state required high stake standardized assessments, and leadership at the state, local, and site levels. By supporting each other through regular check-ins, we can build a more positive and productive school climate. Are you ready to make a difference in your students' lives and improve the culture of your school? Contact us today!
