The Thoughtful Teacher: Making Connections with a Diverse Student PopulationThe teacher is the most important element in nurturing an energetic, engaging, and inspiring classroom environment were authentic learning can unfold. Indeed, it is incumbent on the teacher to understand self, to be prepared, to possess command of subject matter, to inculcate in an appropriate way, and to exhibit patience, understanding, empathy, and enthusiasm. To that end, Teaching with Purpose: An Inquiry into the Who, Why, and How We Teach