Teaching beliefs

Hey there folks, I wrote up a revised statement of teaching beliefs... please feel free to question, suggest or comment upon it.

My theory of teaching

I believe that for one to be a teacher, one must rely upon both self-directed and student-orientated goals. The two are synergistic in that they harbour growth as a learner and as a teacher. There is no teaching without learning; there is no learning without teaching.

I believe that a truly good teacher is someone who strives for perfection but that will never achieve it. The ones who do achieve perfection are, in reality, the most imperfect; one always has more to learn. Students never fail to surprise. The truly indescribable mind of a child will always confound the most rigorous analysis, the most upheld theory, the most well laid plans. At this most exquisite and surprisingly frequent point, a teacher’s sense of adaptability, creativity and spontaneity are invaluable. I aim to never have a lesson plan that is followed to the letter. The learning experiences that are generated from spontaneous events are too valuable not to be exploited.
I believe that a good person is a good teacher. Respect is an idea that I have been raised to value; this I demand of myself and of my students. I believe that every person has potential to learn. I believe that every person is unique. I believe that every person has the right to be free of prejudice. I know that these three values will serve me well as a person, as a learner and as a teacher. Life in many respects is not fair for many students; I will aim to be as fair as possible for those of whom are without.
I believe that a good teacher is a good learner. I believe that everyday I should strive to be better than I was yesterday. This process will require me to reflect. This reflection will be the tool that I wield as new and, hopefully, better person is created each and everyday.

As a teacher I recognize that setting goals for my students is at the core of what I teach. I aim to provide the greatest spectrum clear, varied and authentic teaching strategies. I aim to continually challenge my students. I aim to foster a lifetime of questioning and critical thinking. I believe that the best way to achieve all these aims is to exploit student lead learning.
As a teacher I recognize that I play a significant role in the life of a child. I know that teaching extends out of the classroom. The actions that a teacher takes can have a dramatic impact upon a child; thus continuity and reliability are not just aims, they are necessities.
Lastly, I recognize that the time spent with children is a gift. This gift should be cherished, savored, enjoyed, crumpled in a big mess on some days and be given dedication page other days. This gift will not be wasted with me. This gift I am honored to receive.

Q