As educators, we understand that learning goes beyond the curriculum. It's about creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where students can bring their full selves and be respected and valued by everyone. In English courses like Contemporary First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Voices, we ask students to engage with difficult truths and stories that can carry significant emotional, cultural, and intergenerational weight.

This September I returned to the classroom after a leave and for the first time in my two decades of teaching, I worried I did not have one essential educational tool I had always taken for granted: hope. I had it on a personal scale, for myself, my family, my school community and students; however I did not have it in any abundance for the world at large.

"Over the years, I have learned – and had students tell me – how uncomfortable the first day and week of school are," observes Facing History and Ourselves (Canada) Teacher Fellow, and B.C. high school teacher Lindsay Hutchison. If this feels familiar, read on to see how Lindsay helps students ease in to the school year and how she builds trust and relationships for teaching and learning.