What strategies do you use to gain and maintain students' trust?

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and it is one of the most important qualities that a teacher should instill in their students. Gaining the trust of students is a critical component of being a helpful and effective school psychologist. Hiring managers may ask you this question to learn more about your specific trust-building practices and to determine whether your strategies will work well in the culture and environment of the school.

Consider responding by emphasizing how much you value the children's and your colleagues' trust and sharing any techniques that have proven beneficial to previous students. This question allows you to demonstrate your commitment to developing and maintaining trusting relationships.

Answer as an example: "Earning students' trust is extremely valuable as a school psychologist because it facilitates honest communication. It's helpful if the students see me as a member of their community, someone who can offer support and listen without passing judgment. Active listening has helped me build trust with students in the past because it allows them to share their thoughts and feelings without worrying about what I'll say or how I'll react. I've also found that making myself available during school activities such as school functions, dances, and assemblies helps them understand that I'm available if they need me."