Community in the Classroom

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, Teresa Seefeldt is joined by Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director of the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University, for a conversation on the importance of building community in the classroom. Together, they explore how relationships, belonging, and authentic connections between faculty and students support student learning, wellbeing, motivation, and success. Kevin shares practical and accessible strategies faculty can use to foster community in courses of all sizes and formats—from learning student names and greeting students before class to using icebreakers, encouraging peer interaction, and creating opportunities for students to connect course content to their own lives. The discussion also highlights the importance of authenticity, student-centered teaching, and creating learning environments where students feel supported, valued, and motivated to engage. Whether you teach online, in-person, or hybrid courses, this episode offers thoughtful insights and actionable ideas for creating classrooms where students want to be, learn, and thrive.