How I Teach
"We read to know that we are not alone." C.S. Lewis (in William Nicholson's play, Shadowlands)
11 Things that are Fundamental to How I Teach (in no particular order and evolving)
Listen - really listen to your students
Assign texts you believe are important and that the students might never read on their own
If you assign a reading, quiz the students on that reading
Connections, connections, connections - these will draw the student in and improve critical thinking
Respect your students and make sure they are respecting each other
Assign and accept work in a way that is as fair and useful (for the student) as possible
Stick to the actual text as much as possible.
Symbolism, themes, and other jargon are not that useful (in my class anyway)
Students (and the teacher) should always be a little out of their comfort zone
Students (and the teacher) should push themselves further than they think they can go - in a nurturing way.
Use every single second of class.