ABSTRACT
To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.- George MacDonald. There is nothing quite like that first day of kindergarten; waving goodbye as the bus pulls away or a quick kiss as we turn to leave so she doesn't see the tears welling in our eyes. Schools are responsible for making decisions and acting in the best interest of children. This chapter helps to identify characteristics of teachers and classrooms that we believe should instill a sense of confidence and trust that is based more on relationships than positions. Trustworthiness is defined as "worthy of confidence; dependable." Certainly there is a hope that the folks who work with our children each day have some basic "trustworthy" characteristics. Sometimes there are cultural differences around respect and trust that can be blind spots for school personnel.
