The Heart of Teaching: Building Authentic Student Relationships with Jenny Esposito

In this episode of The Community Effect Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Jenny Esposito, a veteran middle school educator with 24 years of experience teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Jenny shares her powerful insights on why authentic relationships are the foundation of a strong, sustainable classroom community—and why they’ve been the key to her longevity and passion for teaching. We dive into her journey as an educator, the strategies she uses to connect with her students on a deep and meaningful level, and how prioritizing relationships transforms both student engagement and classroom culture. Her reflections are heartfelt, practical, and full of wisdom that will inspire you to rethink the way you build connections with your own students. If you’re looking for ways to create a classroom where students feel seen, heard, and valued, this conversation is a must-listen!