Building a Classroom for Lasting Purpose and Relationships

 

In Season of Life, Joe Ehrmann shows how the Gilman coaches use football as more than just a sport—it becomes a vehicle for shaping young men into people of empathy. My last blog talked about this book, and as a follow up I would like to share how this might look in a classroom. 

At the heart of a meaningful classroom is relationships. Grades, tests, and assignments matter, but what often leaves the deepest mark are the connections formed between students and teachers. When students feel seen, heard, and respected, they are more willing to take risks, share ideas, and grow. As teachers, we must model empathy by listening closely, valuing each student’s story, and affirming that every voice has worth. As students, we can encourage each other, celebrate differences, and remember that learning is never a solo journey. 

Another essential piece is purpose. Just as the Gilman football program emphasized playing for something larger than yourself, classrooms can cultivate a purpose that reaches beyond the walls of the school. When lessons tie into real-world challenges—whether through community service, collaborative projects, or simply reflecting on how knowledge can serve others—students begin to see that learning is not just about “me,” but about “we.” This shift from self-centered achievement to world-centered contribution builds character alongside intellect. 

Equally important is the commitment to never shame. Mistakes are a natural part of both sports and academics and shaming only silences growth. Instead, classrooms can be places of encouragement, where errors are seen as steppingstones and where everyone is given the dignity of second chances. Teachers who frame mistakes as opportunities—and students who treat one another with patience and kindness—create a culture of safety where true learning flourishes. 

The classroom should be a place where each person helps make the other better. That does not mean competing to be the best but rather striving to bring out the best in one another. When empathy, purpose, and encouragement define our daily interactions, classrooms become more than spaces for lessons—they become communities of character. And just like the Gilman football program, they prepare young people to step into the world ready not only to succeed, but to be effective. 

The challenge is for teachers, parents, and students to work together to make the world a better place in the future.