Both research and common sense verify that teachers make a difference not only in what students learn about content but in what students learn about life. Grounded in theory and research on adolescent growth and development and teacher-student interactions, this important new book gives classroom teachers guidelines, strategies, and real-life examples of how to build and enrich close and trusting teacher-student relationships based on dignity and respect. Key topics include setting high expectations for students, conveying confidence in student capabilities, creating classroom rituals and traditions, networking with family and community, developing strong interpersonal skills, identifying relational resources, and communicating appropriate caring and respect in the classroom in ways that elicit positive student response. Features teacher quotes, conversations, profiles, resources, and an inventory for assessing teacher-student relationships