“…Following attachment theory, theory on social-emotional relationships between children and their teachers suggests that emotional closeness and support from teachers likely promote positive representations of self, teachers, and the more general schooling context (e.g., Baker, 2006;Howes & Hamilton, 1992;Howes & Matheson, 1992). Thus children who experience positive relationships with their teachers may develop more positive attitudes toward learning and school, thereby increasing academic engagement, motivation, and, in turn, achievement (Birch & Ladd, Eccles, 1993;Pianta & Steinberg, 1992;Valeski & Stipek, 2001).…”