3. How can teachers effectively establish rapport with students who come from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds from the teacher's?
The first step to establishing rapport with students from diverse backgrounds is to be genuinely respectful of each of those students.  Getting to know each of these students and valuing each student's contribution to the world is an excellent way to gain respect as a teacher.  As a teacher, I would make sure to ask each students questions about what they like to do and invite them to share traditions and practices that are unique to their culture.  Most importantly, I will listen to these students and try to reach out to them by learning more about who they are and what they value.  By celebrating our differences and embracing our uniqueness, I will hopefully give a message that I care about each student as a unique human being who is deserving of respect and love, and who has something important to contribute to the world.

6. Share some comments that you remember from your childhood teachers.  Why do you still remember those comments?
I am very fortunate in that I remember many encouraging and positive messages from my teachers over the years.  Many were written comments on assignments, including smiley faces from my first-grade teacher.  I still remember feeling great about myself as I looked at those smiley faces.  As I grew older, teachers continually told me what a positive person I was and how talented I was.  I really enjoyed the positive reinforcement, and it made me want to try even harder to succeed.  I do, however, still remember one negative comment from my Sunday School teacher when I was in fifth grade.  We were having a lesson on the "fruits of the Spirit," and I couldn't stop talking to my friends during the lesson.  The teacher stopped, looked at me, and said, "Anna, you do not have any self-control, which is one of the fruits of the Spirit!"  For a long time afterwards, I thought I could not master that habit of self-control because of what the teacher said.  It is amazing how powerful those comments can be.  As an adult, I have, of course, worked hard to develop self-control and discipline, and I am happy to say that I have improved greatly since the fifth grade...! 

Teaching Outside the Box: p. 15, #3, 4
3. Which of the teaching philosophies from the list in this chapter do you agree with?  Which do you disagree with, and why?
I agree with three of the philosphies.  They are: 1) "Mutual respect is the cornerstone of a successful teacher-student relationship and it is the teacher's responsibility to set the tone and model respectful behavior."  2) "Students must be held accountable for their behavior.  I want students to understand that their behavior has consequences, so they will learn to make better choices."  3) Effective teachers set the stage for learning--then step aside and let students learn through discovery and experiement.  A teacher is really a guide.
I disagree with the philosophy that states, "Teachers should never appear to know less than students.  A teacher who makes mistakes, or admits making mistakes, loses the respect of students and is unprofessional."  I think that teachers who show that they sometimes make mistakes show that they are human.  Their students will learn that it is okay to make mistakes and not always know the right anwers.  The important thing to know is how to correct your mistakes and be willing and able to find answers to your questions. 
4. Briefly state your own philosophy. 
I belive that it is my responsibility to reach each child at his or her level of understanding.  Every child is capable of improvement and of ultimately taking responsibility for his/her own education.  It is my duty to facilitate learning in a variety of ways that speak to diverse students, provide encouragement, and be fair.  By being a good role model, listening to my students, and reaching out to their families as partners in the educational journey, I will hopefully encourage my students to become life-long learners.