"What is the most important thing I have learned about teaching and learning?" 

I believe the most important thing teaching has taught me is, patience. Growing up, I wasn't the brightest student. Honestly, I went to school to have fun and socialize. It wasn't until later in life I realized I didn't want to "work for peanuts" all my life. I believe my personal experiences have allowed me to appreciate my students more yet at the same time, I consistently remind them, "we all have CHOICES". I wholeheartedly believe life is all about choices. My students and I recently watched the movie, "Gifted Hands", a biography of Ben Carson. It was an enlightening experience for ALL of us and completely coincidence that he is currently a presidential candidate. I believe it reiterated to my students, anything is possible if you have the will to follow through and set your mind to doing something. It takes "guts" to change yet this week, I'm glad I took that "leap of faith" and made the switch to teaching. :o)