A teacher must stay current in her field. I create partnerships with local media not only to keep my skills and knowledge fresh but also to open doors for students through internships and guest lecturers. There are no lost causes in the classroom. No student is incapable of learning, no subject is unteachable, and no teacher is without ability. But just as a general must decide whether a particular victory will come at too high a price, a teacher should be able to help students pick their battles.
Life is about making choices, and educational choices can be among the hardest to make.
Students need to feel comfortable asking teachers for help. If I want students to care about what I teach, I have to care about what I teach. A student who suspects the teacher is unprepared or unfamiliar with the class material is likely to follow the teacher's lead. A teacher can help students find their talent. The best way to help, however, varies from student to student, from situation to situation, and sometimes from day to day.