Positive classroom climates set a foundation for equitable educational opportunities and, ultimately, social change (Whipp, 2013). This multi-modal two-phase study examined teacher candidate orientation of knowledge authority in creating a classroom environment marked by respectful relationships and genuine rapport at differing thresholds of field…

With the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (2002) schools are challenged by high-stakes testing and the need to maintain a highly qualified teaching force. The focus of discussion is often effective interventions and strategies to assist students to become academically successful. However, a number of researchers (Kaplan &…