This paper presents a case study of how social order was created through teacher-student interactions in a single sixth-grade classroom, based on videotaped classroom observations, interviews, and student questionnaires. The paper describes the classroom teacher's teaching methods, use of required texts, and use of standardized tests, especially in relation to how these affected the limited English proficient (LEP) Indochinese minority group children in the class. The paper then uses classroom transcripts to show how the teacher was able to distance himself from his role as the teacher, thereby lessening the social distance, both vertically and horizontally, between himself and the students. The paper also examines the teacher's speech styles and topic control in the classroom. The paper notes that the teacher was able to bring his own life experiences to the classroom, showing students how they can overcome personal problems, peer pressure, and economic disadvantages to excel in school and in life. Contains 41 references. (MDM)