I have tried to incorporate in my teaching philosophy what I have learned in college courses and subsequent readings of researchers, along with what I have personally experienced and observed.  Mixed into this philosophy is my belief that a good teacher must be flexible and adapt to students as individuals.   I have also found that, in addition to students having distinct personalities, so do classes.  Keeping this in mind, I try to vary not only the method (aural, oral, visual, kinesthetic) of input but also the pace of the class.

I believe that teaching is more than trying to impart the knowledge of the subjects taught.  It is important that students see the contextual framework in which these subjects fit.  They need to understand and experience the relevancy of the subjects, the interrelatedness of subjects, and develop the skills to make learning a lifelong adventure.  Students come with a wealth of knowledge from their families and backgrounds.  It is the teacher's job to tap into that wellspring to bring about new learning.  Affectively, it is very important that everyone be treated with respect, show respect for others and the environment, and be valued for their unique contributions to the class and the world.

Language is personal as well as social.  How and what we communicate to others is a reflection of who we are.  The fear that many L2 learners feel in moving from receptive to productive language echoes the personal nature of language.  I believe that the need and desire to share who we are is one of the most powerful motivators in learning.  I strive to make the classroom a safe place where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning, not moments of embarrassment and where the atmosphere is one of fun, not fear.

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