Today's our first day of classes at Seton Hill U. I'm teaching a Freshman Composition class after a blessed year's hiatus from the course after teaching composition annually at one campus or another since -- could it be? -- 1992. I'm also beginning my sixth year of teaching at Seton Hill (the beginning of a lengthy tenure process starts in Dec) and I've recently realized that I've never resided at one academic institution for this long before.

So I don't want to get stale or cop apathy with the routine. Usually a room full of eager students on the first day gets my blood pumping with the responsibility and the thrill of teaching and learning. But on top of that, here are some goals I have this morning before I head back into the fray after a productive and relaxing summer:

• Remind myself of the best practices in teaching to challenge myself to always strive to be a better teacher.
  
• Remember that less is more in lectures, especially in an environment where students are overwhelmed by crowded curricula.
  
• Don't waste too much time on housekeeping alone.
  
• Value openness.
  
• Enjoy the first day.
  

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