ABSTRACT
In my teaching career in England I have moved from mainstream education into special provision for difficult to manage students and, latterly, into EOTAS (education other than at school). Throughout that time I have been fascinated by the styles of behaviour management undertaken by teachers and the quality of relationships developed between students and their teachers. I write as someone committed to the right of all students to be treated with respect and to the need for all students to be able to access a safe environment in which to learn. I argue below that teaching is about relationships, and that, while some teachers just seem to be able to form good quality relationships, the rest of us can learn some simple skills that will improve our practice.
