Mathematics is elegant, powerful, and often surprising. As an instructor, I make it a priority to share these perceptions and create enthusiasm for mathematics. At the same time, it is of the utmost importance that my students actually learn the material covered in the course. This means that students should gain a conceptual understanding of the subject matter, as well as learn how to actually do the mathematics involved. In teaching mathematics, I help my students make the connection between classroom learning and their life outside of school. I provide them the tools they need to handle issues they will encounter with numbers in daily life and also prepare them for higher learning in math. As someone who enjoys the logic of math, I strive to make my passion for it contagious so that my students will not only understand math but also enjoy learning it. With that goal in mind, I make my lessons engaging and allow my students to tap into their own interests by offering options on assignments as often as possible. Every student is an individual with his own learning style who deserves to have the best possible education. I take the time to interact with each one of my students, to acknowledge their contributions and to provide the individual attention they need to excel at learning. Keeping their individual needs in mind, I use a variety of methods to teach the material and also to evaluate their mastery of it. I hold high expectations for every student and provide every possible opportunity for them to achieve success in the classroom. I believe that my students will receive the best possible education when every teacher, school administrator, government leader, and parent works together to create a relevant, quality education. We must learn from each other, constantly striving to improve in our role as educators, and to work together with the same goal in mind - to give our students the tools they need for success in life.