Rapport is defined in a number of different ways depending on the setting and relationship being developed.  In teaching you want to earn the respect of your students as quickly as possible.  Once you have earned their respect you have set the stage for the next step and that is rapport.  As the students come into your class they are at some point in their career development, some will be just starting and others completing their last courses.  As a result of where you are in the teaching sequence you will develop different levels of rapport with your students.  If they are just beginning their college careers and you are teaching general education courses your rapport with them will be based more on potential.  If you are teaching advanced courses then rapport will be at a more professional level.  No matter what level they are at rapport is a mutual respect and interaction with each other at a level that enables all parties to see the value of what is being offered and learned.  There is a connection between you and your students because you have helped them to see the value of the content you are offering in addition to your years of experience.  You are serving in many ways as a career consultant to them.  With the development of rapport comes the opportunity to offer advice about career steps, employment options and position growth.  This is a unique opportunity because they will not have the expertise of someone like you in a setting like the classroom/lab once they graduate.  Yes, you may talk with them once they are out in the work world but it won't be in such a setting as the classroom.  So work to develop rapport with each student to the point that you can share, support and encourage them throughout their time in your class and this can lead to a life long relationship of mutual respect.