Will you rule your classroom, or will your students?

It always amazes me when I enter a classroom to see the dictatorship teaching styles that most teachers have in relation to their students. The student walks in the teacher lays down the rules and when the allotted time is up the student leave normally irritated and without learning anything new, in many cases the student feels overpowered, like what they have to say is irrelevant, and that they are being talked down to because they are, "just the student." In my opinion teachers and students should have an open relationship embracing the opinions of each other, know that both sides have something great to offer. I believe that a teacher should be there to monitor a classroom, but not rule it. We are here to educate our students, which means we need to conform to the ways that they learn best. Assuming that our way is the best way is doing a complete disservice to the student and to yourself. I think that the only way for us as educators to send successful students out into the world is by letting them take charge of their education and run with it. By doing this, I believe that students learn responsibility, confidences, leadership skills, and untimely feel empowered but what they themselves have accomplished. Teachers are supposed to be admired for what they do, not feared. Be the kind of teacher that allows your students to control how they learn, empower them and make a difference.