Response to Chapters 3 and 4

1a. How is "living what you believe" both difficult and easy for teachers?

It is in and of itself a normal thing as a human being to be imperfect; both as a student and as a teacher. The teacher doesn't hold all the answers nor are they always right, but they will ALWAYS have influence over the students in the classroom. In the end, it is how they chose to demonstrate that influence that will determine how effective they can be as teachers.
A teacher who looks beyond what others have thought to be impossible with a vision of what they can change, can and will be able to make a differnce. If teachers can only stay true to themselves and hold the students as their greatest value and achievement, they can be successful.

1b. How can differentiation affect "living what you believe?"

There is a struggle on a daily basis for teachers who are given a handful of students with all types of learning dis/abilities and personalities and be able to get through to each individual child equally. One child might need to hear something multiple times to be able to comprehend and another might need to have a visual representation in front of them to be able to grasp the concept; but keeping these in mind and making sure to 'keep your vision' as a teacher is not always easy.

1c. What does Tomlinson mean when she suggests that a teacher, early and often, should say to students, "Let's figure this out together. Let's make this our class."

Success is not only earned by the group as a collective whole, but by every individual in it. Each person working toward a common goal is important and has the responsibility to strive to meet them. This kind of teamwork will take lots of time and effort, but with every member contributing it is possible.