Janis Fovel has been an educator in the Wellesley Public Schools for over 30 years, and has been dedicated to the building of classroom community and connecting with the students in an authentic way. She believes that establishing a nurturing and caring classroom community is the foundation needed in order for children to achieve in the academic setting. Considering the perspectives of other members and looking at and sharing their own cultural identities has deepened the conversations in the class and has led to an increase in ally behavior and empathy among all members. This has led to creating a sense of “family” within a larger school environment and to greater risk taking among the students.