Education as a Relational Practice Group (EARP)
Education through relationships, grounded in Relational Cultural Theory (RCT)
The Power of Relationships in Learning
Relationships are foundational to learning. With RCT as a guiding principle, EARP explores how teaching, mentoring, and other developmental roles benefit when rooted in relational practices. RCT, initially developed for clinical work, offers profound insights for educators and mentors alike, recognizing the transformative potential of relationships across all aspects of life, as described by Jean Baker Miller and Irene Stiver in 1997.
About the Education as a Relational Practice Group (EARP)
EARP is a vibrant community of educators from a range of domains, united by their dedication to applying RCT in education. Members collaborate by sharing research and readings, workshopping syllabi, curricula, and research projects, and pursuing joint efforts. Potential projects include an annual conference and joint publications. All educators and developmental professionals committed to social justice and mutual support are welcome to join.
RCT and the "Five Good Things" in Teaching and Learning
In RCT, the “Five Good Things”—energy, knowledge, a sense of worth, action, and a desire for connection—provide a meaningful framework to understand effective teaching and learning relationships. As Harriet L. Schwartz, PhD, describes in her book Connected Teaching, these qualities are both the essence and outcome of connected teaching. RCT emphasizes the growth that happens in relationships, making it highly relevant across educational levels from PreK-12 to adult learning.
Applying RCT in Educational Contexts
RCT informs not only individual practice but also helps us see educational institutions as complex systems. By considering factors such as social identities, power, and mutual empathy, educators can create more inclusive and effective learning environments. This approach applies to various domains, including:
PreK-12 Education
Building relational classrooms and integrating social-emotional learning (SEL)
Higher Education
Facilitating connected teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs
Mentoring and Adult Learning
Fostering growth and connection in mentorship and leadership training
RCT-Informed Programs and Courses
Several universities have embedded RCT into their courses and degree programs, reflecting the theory’s value in higher education and beyond:
University Programs
Universities like the University of Cincinnati, Carlow University, and St. Mary’s University incorporate RCT into their coursework.
Social Work Programs
The College of St. Scholastica applies RCT across its social work curriculum, training future social workers in relational practices.
Doctoral Studies in Leadership
Antioch University’s PhD in Leadership and Change fosters collaboration over competition, aligning with RCT’s principles. Antioch also offers RCT seminars, and many students complete RCT-based dissertations.
RCT in Youth and Community Programs
Beyond academia, organizations like Open Circle apply RCT in community programs. Open Circle’s social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum for elementary schools draws on RCT to help young learners build strong relational skills.
Benefits of Joining EARP
Becoming part of EARP connects you to a supportive network of educators exploring RCT’s applications in education. Members gain access to:
PreK-12 Collaborative Research and Development
Opportunities to work on joint research, develop curricula, and publish in partnership.
Professional Growth
Insights and feedback from peers on syllabi, curricula, and research projects.
Commitment to Social Justice
EARP is grounded in a commitment to creating equitable educational spaces.
Learn More and Join EARP
If you’re passionate about using relationships as a foundation for growth and learning, we invite you to join EARP. Together, we’re building an inclusive, relational approach to education that resonates across different fields and learning levels.
