ABSTRACT
Our identities as faculty members and our philosophies of education strongly influence how we approach the work of teaching. The same is true of our views about our students. Faculty-centered perspectives have been prevalent for generations, along with the longstanding belief that students should be college ready. Times, however, have changed. Our students no longer fit the profile we’re used to, and faculty-centered instruction does not meet our students’ needs. By shifting to a student-centered philosophy and embracing the belief that educators should be ready for their students, we’re prepared to approach teaching more effectively. Nevertheless, change is not easy, especially for those who are deeply steeped in their department’s histories, legacies, and traditions. Developing both grit and a growth mindset will help us prepare to become student-centered, student-ready educators.
