Teachers and administrators are often directed to distance themselves from the children in their charge. Despite the land mines that accompany personal relationships with students, the authors argue that educators can still learn to build personal relationships with students. Personal-relationship building is one of the most important skills a teacher can possess and continue to refine. In this article, the authors describe the many dimensions of this skill, recommend ways for teachers in contacting students' personal worlds and creating a caring and nurturing environment using particular practices and behaviors, and discuss teacher traits that engender affection and regard. (Contains 19 endnotes.)