This article reviews the principles of building a positive, respectful, and enjoyable teacher-student relationship. He reflects on the importance of such a relationship and the opinions of some theorists on this subject. Below are some do's and don'ts on how to build a healthy relationship that benefits both the teacher and the student, as well as my opinions and understanding of each. At the end, I included a short interview with my colleague Nilsa Torres. Torres previously served as a high school mentor through an after-school program; however, she is now a lead teacher in a community Head-Start program in the North Philadelphia area. Finally, my personal experiences are reflected. The importance of teacher-student relationships in the learning process The relationship between teachers and their students is very important and crucial in their learning process. Let's face it, children spend almost a third of their day with a teacher and also spend at least ten months a year in school. It is extremely important that the relationship built invites learning and allows children to feel comfortable with their educator. This is why it is important to be what many call a good teacher; or as I have recently learned as an “intentional teacher.” As most of us remember a time from our school days, we might have had a favorite teacher. This teacher understood your learning style; she was fun and made you want to come to school every day. Well, grateful for her good teaching skills or intentional teaching, she has built a positive relationship with you based on good communication, mutual respect and support. Having a positive relationship as a teacher with a student has...... middle of paper ... it was clear that all the journalists, theorists, and people I spoke to all had the common goal of get to know the child in order to build that relationship. Getting to know a student starts before the child even sets foot in your door. How is this possible? Well, in order for us to know our students, we must first know ourselves. This can only be done by becoming aware of the reasons why we become teachers. When we think about it, we openly learn why we are patient and seek to know a child. I do this because I love it. I love the challenge of turning a student's frown into a smile. I love getting invitations to their birthday parties and even their sleepovers. I love that before a child comes home, they have to give you a hug. This is why I became a teacher in order to experience this complicity. A bond that is more than friendship, it's love.