Closeness in Student-Teacher Relationships

“Closeness in Student-Teacher Relationships is a unique exploration of the connection between children and their teachers. Dr. Stearns poses questions that challenge the reader to use philosophical, sociological, and psychological thinking to make sense of the small world of the elementary school classroom. Through case studies, the reader enters two classrooms in search of possible answers to the human equation of classroom life.” - Lesley Koplow, Founding Director of the Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice at Bank Street College, USA “Closeness in Student-Teacher Relationships leads educators through a series of questions aimed at troubling the seemingly straightforward idea that many of hold as an unassailable truth: that ‘good’ relationships are the heart of effective and transformative classroom practice for students and teachers alike. Stearns challenges us to think critically about what makes a relationship ‘good’ and to explore the boundaries of closeness and intimacy that emerge when we consider issues of power, agency, and choice in our instructional practice.” - Sara A. Clarke-deReza, Associate Professor and Chair of Education and Co-Director of the Cromwell Center for Teaching and Learning at Washington College