My goals as an instructor are to help my students become confident, competent and effective writers. Often times students who test into remedial courses have a great deal of baggage. They feel like they are not smart enough for college, and that they cannot learn how to write at a college level. By the end of the semester, I want my students to feel comfortable with thinking independently, their abilities as a writer, and have increased self confidence.

To meet these goals, I have to do more than just cover the basics of the curriculum. It is an interactive process. I enjoy getting to know my students, and getting their feedback. When I grade their work, I make sure that I am not just pointing out the things they are doing wrong. I let them know their strengths as a writer as well. Focusing on the negative all the time can break a student's drive and motivation. By pointing out the things they are doing well, I hope I am encouraging them.

I try to make my classroom a welcoming place. The instructor/student relationship is still in place, and the objective is still to learn. However, I want my students to feel comfortable with me and with the class. If the student has a situation where he or she is unable to come to class or complete his or her work as needed, I do not want him or her to be afraid to let me know. I try my best to remind them that instructors are people too. Even those of us who write professionally are not perfect writers. We have our signature "writing issues" we still make even with all of our education. We still have our peers check our work. We are no longer graded, but we have our editors that critique us. I am not just some person with a degree spouting information at them. They see that I go through the same stresses and processes they do, but just on a different level. This helps my students relate to me.

I believe that communication between the instructor and the student is very important. I make myself available to my students through e-mail, phone calls, and even a Facebook group for my class. I use the technology that many of them are already using to harbor open communication.

Teaching my students is very rewarding. I learn a great deal from them. They have great insight and great experiences to share. The best part about teaching is seeing my students succeed. I enjoy watching their self confidence grow and gain the skills they need to excel in school and in life.