Over the years, this has been my most rewarding job;I consider being a single father (of 4) my most successful experience. From my parenting experience, I learned the importance of listening and being respectful. My students are other peoples' children, so I treated them how I wanted my children treated by their teachers. I wasn't a bully, nor was I the "Great Intimidator". I listened and talked to them. The majority of my former students are still close to me today. I've subsequently taught many of THEIR children, and became close to them. Academically and socially, I did this without much fanfare. That was never important to me. The students, and their parents, know what I've done, and I get plenty of feedback about it. My own children have met many of them, and tell me I'm remembered very fondly. I was advised not to act like a know-it-all, or a tyrant when I got the job. I've tried for 25 years to stick to that advice.