Somehow these new beginnings help me maintain the wonder of youth. Multi-ethnic groups of students inspire me. I have the privilege of teaching classes where I might hear five different languages spoken. I am always learning from the wealth of life experiences represented. Haxton advocates hori- zontal structure, not hierarchical, in her classroom.
Horizontal structure respects the individual student no matter how diverse the group.
We all teach and we all learn something new each class session. There is just no sitting back in Haxton s classes. Once a month some of Merritt s painting and ceramic alumni go for nature walks with Haxton to sketch, paint or make small clay objects. It s a great way to stay in touch with current and former students, and nature, says Haxton. Born in the vast, flat wheat field area of Montana near the Canadian border, Haxton learned about community and the environ- ment very early.