My starting point is always the students. I assume they are responsible, thoughtful, intelligent, sensitive people with as busy lives as my own, and I aim to treat them as such. I hope the respect I show for my students in the classroom models how they should treat each other, as well as setting expectations for how they will respond to me. In a larger context, I hope our mutual respect carries into their lives in their other classes, as well as in their homes and community.
My focus on the students as real people whom I honor and respect means that my teaching style is student-based and interactive, rather than primarily lecturing. I believe the best learning takes place when students claim their education by actively entering into it.
An effective learning community is an exciting place to work. As well as earning the satisfaction of working hard and well, I hope my students also enjoy each class I teach. I want the class to be fun for me and for them.
In the end, however, I aim to make myself redundant by teaching students to read, write, and think effectively and independently enough that they no longer need me as an intermediary guide.