I believe that a teachers philosophy is essential for effective teaching, because it impacts upon the teachers goals, attitude, and students.  While I philosophically lean towards progressivism, I also embrace other concepts and have many of my own ideas.  I believe that a teacher should be authoritative, but with a humanistic approach.  This improves the teacher-student relationship and leads to mutual respect, since the teacher listens to the students, involves them in a cooperative way and then establishes the standards or rules for the classroom with the help of student suggestions.  Since all are involved in decision-making students are more likely to obey the rules.  I also feel that the teacher should have open communication with the students, which must include a generous amount of praise and positive reinforcement. This lets the students know that the teacher cares for them, appreciates their efforts, and values their work.  Lastly, I feel that the teacher should always be fair with their students.  In reality, teachers are human beings and will relate to some students better than others.  However, it is essential that all students be given an equal opportunity to succeed.  The role of the teacher ultimately is to prepare students to be productive citizens in a multicultural society.  I believe that all students have the ability to learn and grow.  The role of the instructor is to find ways to make this happen.  Patience, praise, persistence, and appreciation for each of them are some of the ways this can be achieved.