In each class, I aim to give a “full” class including a comprehensive warmup, technical exercises, and chances to learn and perform longer choreography. But I am also not tied to every single bullet on my lesson plan and am able to shift my lessons on the spot in accordance with what my students need. My goal for students is that they learn to love the process, before the product ever comes to mind. That they are able to see the big picture but also know all the little journeys it might take to get there. My goal for myself as a teacher is that I never stop fighting for those “lightbulb” moments with my students. I know that I’m doing my job well when a student’s eyes light up with understanding. That is my greatest tool in assessing student learning; being able to see that they understand, even if they may not have the strength or skill to apply the information fully yet.