It would be impossible to sum up briefly what teaching is or what it means to me. Herein, some random thoughts toward a philosophy of teaching.
Teaching is a communal and magical activity.
I can think of no more joyous activity, none which brings more satisfaction than the opportunity to interact with bright young people who vacillate between thinking what you are doing is endlessly fascinating and challenging your every statement. Teaching is not standing up in front of a class and disclaiming Truths, nor is it mere showmanship. Teaching is working with small and large groups of students, advising them on matters related to their intellectual development as well as to their life, being an ethical role model for them, encouraging them to do their best work, to do more than they thought they could do, pushing, pulling, moving along with them into new areas of understanding. Teaching is a privilege. Teaching is research, that is, it is the active pursuit of new knowledge, new ideas, and new connections which can make fresh the daily venture into the unknown.