What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe the most important attributes a teacher can have are empathy, determination, and flexibility. Empathy is vital because a teacher must see things from the students' perspective in order to guide them. A teacher must also possess determination because there are many obstacles to overcome. A teacher must be the driving force in the class that keeps everyone moving towards their objective, and by doing so demonstrates to the students that the way to succeed is by never giving up. Determination, however, must be paired with flexibility. No strategy will be right for every student. A teacher must be excited about finding the best way to serve each student based on their individual needs. A teacher must also be flexible in the face of those factors that are beyond his or her control, and find the way to do as much for the students as possible no matter the circumstances.