Book excerpt: If only there was one simple answer to all your teaching concerns. There is! This book argues that by focusing on building effective learning relationships with your pupils, everything else will fall into place. It can be the basis for positive behaviour management, stress reduction, student engagement and pupil progress. By identifying and then meeting the core set of needs we all possess in order to engage in any learning activity, you can improve teaching and learning and minimise challenge and stress. The text encourages you to reflect on your own practice throughout and plan for interventions and changes that will improve your teaching and the experiences of the learners in your care. This is not a theory book or an academic research tome; it is a straight talking, practical, thought provoking and insightful look into the challenges of being the best teacher you can be. Suitable for whatever stage you are at in your career, and whatever age group you teach, this book proposes a narrative that can work alongside the ever-increasing range of educational initiatives to which teachers are exposed.