3 Most Important Theories of Teaching/Composition

Respect:

The first and foremost belief I have about teaching, especially teaching 1301, is the importance of R-E-S-P-E-C-T. (Sing one for me Aretha.) Some people reading this post might think that I am speaking of respect for my "authority as a teacher." Although this is important as well, respecting my students takes precedence. I believe you have to give respect to your students. Respect gives students confidence in their own ability as writers. Giving respect also means that in the classroom I might be the expert, but on the football field, in a math class, or basket weaving, they could teach me a lesson or two.
I hear far too many first and second year teachers belittling a student's intelligence and effort. It disgusts me. I think some graduate students get high and mighty on their own ability as grammarians (please). They too soon forget that we are the plebeians. Tenured professors anyone?

Relevancy:

(So, what are you going to do with an Master's Degree in English?)
Seriously though, I want the students to know how and why learning the assignment is important. The relevancy of my instruction should explain how they will successfully complete the assignment. What they learn needs to be relevant for more than just making a grade in 1301. The cohesion of the entire class should produce informative relevancy in their other academic endeavors and individual lives.

Literacy:

I believe it is more than the ability to read or write. Literacy translates into confidence: Confidence in one's ability to approach a text and glean the message the author attempts to convey. Literacy makes each person an audience of one. It gives that person an opportunity to take themselves to another time period, culture, section of the world, etc. I am passionate about the arts, especially that of text (i.e. fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, manuscripts, letters, journal entries, etc.) The world of text is available to those who are literate, and I want each of my students to possess fluent literacy.