Teaching is an intellectual enterprise that demands constant study, problem-solving, and decision-making. For me, the most important goal of teaching is building relationships; relationships between intended outcomes and teaching practices and relationships among students and teacher. I am most concerned with facilitating my students' personal and professional development. I believe students learn best through a transactional, or social constructivist, model that encourages collaboration and conversation in a risk-free, supportive environment. I further believe students are motivated to learn when they experience choice, voice, and relevance. These beliefs are made explicit in the structure and activities I use in my courses and my teaching.