Student interaction with teachers is crucial to developing caring relationships. Research suggests that when teachers work to build nurturing learning environments, there are substantial benefits for students, especially those from historically marginalized groups. Tiffini Pruitt-Britton, Anne Garrison Wilhelm, and Jonee Wilson share examples from their research that show how using humor, sharing personal stories, and disclosing rationales and mistakes humanize teachers and cultivate an inviting environment that supports student learning.