I believe that my mission as a teacher is threefold. First, I must teach students mathematics in a way that will challenge their abilities to the fullest. It is my conviction that students are extremely capable and should be continuously challenged. In general, I have found that students will perform at the level expected of them. Therefore, I expect a great deal from students and I usually do get maximum effort from most of them. I have always advocated and believed in high standards.

Second, I believe that students should enjoy mathematics. This usually comes about only if I become the role model. I must love mathematics, I must be enthusiastic about teaching, and I must get them emotionally involved. In the classroom I do this through laboratory or manipulative type activities, group interaction, and through their active participation in helping select activities.

Third, I feel obliged as a teacher to share my teaching techniques, activities, and ideas with other teachers. In this way, I not only grow as a teacher, but I help others as well. I believe in excellence in education and actively try to promote it both through self-improvement and through my work with students and teachers.