I believe that students are humans first, and learners second. It is important to me that my students feel valued, heard, and seen. When students feel safe, they are more eager to engage with the content and with their peers. Humanizing my students helps break down the hierarchy that separates the professor from the student, and allows us all to participate in the exploration together. Education is not a transactional sharing of knowledge, but requires a communal sense of discovery in order to foster true learning and comprehension. For this reason, I consider myself a facilitator–not the head authority–in my classroom. 

In order to avoid duplicating unnecessary hierarchy in my classroom, I place myself and the students on the same level, often literally. I sit with the students, not in front of them. I stand to the side, not front and center. I allow them to physically and emotionally take up space, because I believe that this is their class, not mine. I am here to guide, nurture, and protect my students. I love to invite students into the discussion, and encourage them to take charge of their education, while I act as a mediator or guide. I welcome them to become an integral part of their education, which helps nurture a space of inclusion and exploration. Not only do I humanize my students, but I try to push them to see the scholars that they are. Everyone has knowledge and experiences that can help push the community forward, and I strive to give every student the chance to share their personal expertise. 

While I strive to remove myself as an authority figure, I also recognize that students' needs are wildly varied and complex. My flexibility and patience help me in creating individual plans for each student based on their personal needs. Some students may thrive off of loose guidelines and minimal structure, while others crave concrete deadlines and firm instructions. Finding the balance between structure and compassion is one of my personal favorite parts of being an educator. 

Showing compassion to my students is one of my top priorities. I believe that my students and I stand on equal ground, and I aim to show them through my actions and pedagogical method. As I learn more about the world around me and myself, I seek to continue to evolve my teaching methods, styles, and beliefs. I will challenge myself to challenge the systems that I benefit from, and fight the systems that harm those around me. I teach more than just dance, because I educate through the actions I take in my everyday life.