Abstract: Online learning creates a unique environment in which teachers are expected to form relationships with students that are not within their physical proximity. These expectations create specific challenges for the online teacher. This paper describes four dimensions of a successful virtual community: the online persona and virtual classroom, the synchronous session, giving meaningful feedback and the encouragement of student engagement. These four dimensions were developed by two experienced online educators using research of the literature in online teaching and learning as well as their own experiences in the field.