Sage Rountree's Blog, page 6

The S.E.R.V.E. Method: End Your Yoga Class Planning Anxiety for Good

The most common question I hear from yoga teachers isn’t about advanced poses or spiritual philosophy. It’s much more practical: “How do I plan classes without spending hours overthinking every detail?”

After two decades of teaching, mentoring hundreds of yoga teachers, and hearing this question in virtually every teacher training I lead, I’ve developed a framework that addresses this universal struggle. Today, I’m sharing it with you.

The Planning Confidence Cycle

Let me guess how your class planning typically goes:

You sit down to plan a class, staring at a blank page. You either:

Spend WAY too much time crafting the “perfect” sequence, only to doubt it entirely before you teachFall back on the same sequence you always teach (hello, Warrior 2-reverse Warrior-extended side angle loop!)Decide to “see what the room needs” and wing it completely

Sound familiar? I’ve been there, too.

What I’ve observed is that most yoga teachers are caught in what I call the Planning Confidence Cycle—the more uncertain you feel about your class structure, the more time you spend planning, which leaves less time for actually connecting with the practice, which further diminishes your confidence.

It’s exhausting, unsustainable, and completely unnecessary.

Introducing the S.E.R.V.E. Method

After years of helping teachers find the right balance between structure and creativity, consistency and variety, I’ve distilled my approach into what I call the S.E.R.V.E. Method:

Structure Your FoundationExperience Before TeachingRepeat with PurposeVary with IntentionEvolve Your Voice

This isn’t another “follow my exact sequence” approach, nor is it a vague “just follow your intuition” non-system. It’s a practical framework that gives you both solid ground to stand on AND room to grow into your unique teaching style.

Let’s break it down.

S: Structure Your Foundation

Every effective yoga class needs a physiologically sound foundation. This is where my 6-4-2 framework comes in (if you’re not familiar with it, I explore it fully in my book The Art of Yoga Sequencing).

In brief, a balanced yoga practice includes:

Six movements of the spineFour lines of the legsTwo core actions

When you start with this structure, you ensure your class gives students a comprehensive movement experience, regardless of the specific poses you choose.

Try This: Before finalizing any class plan, use a simple checklist to verify you’ve included all key movement patterns. You might even color-code your sequence notes (blue for forward bends, red for backbends, etc.) to quickly visualize balance.

E: Experience Before Teaching

Here’s a truth many teachers miss: if you haven’t felt a sequence in your own body, you’ll struggle to guide it confidently for others.

Before teaching any sequence—even one you’ve created yourself—practice it. Notice where transitions feel awkward, where the intensity builds too quickly, or where you need more preparatory poses.

When you’ve experienced your sequence firsthand, you’ll teach from embodied knowledge rather than theoretical concepts.

Try This: Record yourself verbally walking through your sequence, then practice with your own guidance. Note any moments of confusion, imbalance, or transition challenges. This simple practice can transform how you teach.

R: Repeat with Purpose

Here’s a radical idea in the yoga world: you don’t need a brand new sequence for every class you teach.

In fact, thoughtful repetition benefits both you and your students. For you, it reduces planning time and allows you to refine your teaching. For your students, it creates familiarity that helps them go deeper into the practice rather than constantly figuring out what comes next.

The key is purposeful repetition with minor variations to keep the practice fresh.

Try This: Create a monthly lesson plan with weekly variations—same basic structure, different emphasis each week. Think of this like layering accessories over a capsule wardrobe. The constituent parts remain the same; the flair changes up slightly.

V: Vary with Intention

While repetition creates a foundation, thoughtful variation keeps your teaching vibrant. The crucial distinction is varying with clear intention rather than changing things randomly in pursuit of “creativity.”

Effective variations respond to student needs, energy levels, seasonal considerations, or specific focal points—not to your anxiety about keeping things “interesting enough.”

Try This: Create a “variation bank” for each part of your class structure with options for different energy levels, experience levels, and physical needs. When you decide to introduce a variation, you’ll do so from a place of purpose rather than pressure.

E: Evolve Your Voice

Your teaching voice—like your physical voice—is uniquely yours. It will naturally evolve over time as you gain experience and confidence.

The S.E.R.V.E. Method isn’t about conforming to someone else’s teaching style; it’s about giving you a reliable foundation so you can find and refine your authentic approach.

As you become more comfortable with structure, experience, repetition, and intentional variation, you’ll naturally begin integrating your unique perspective, experiences, and insights into your teaching.

Try This: After each class, note one moment where you felt most authentically connected to your teaching and one opportunity to infuse more of your unique perspective next time.

Breaking Free from Planning Anxiety

What I love most about this method is how it addresses the root cause of planning anxiety: the false belief that you must choose between structure and creativity, between consistency and variety.

The S.E.R.V.E. Method recognizes that these apparent opposites actually complement and strengthen each other. Structure enables creativity. Consistency creates space for meaningful variation. Experience builds confidence. It’s sthira and sukha uniting—it’s yoga.

When you embrace this approach, you’ll find yourself spending less time planning and more time connecting: with your practice, with your students, and with your authentic teaching voice.

Your Next Step

If the Planning Confidence Cycle sounds all too familiar, I invite you to try just one component of the S.E.R.V.E. Method this week. Perhaps start with the Structure checklist or the Experience practice.

Notice how even this small shift might reduce your planning anxiety and increase your teaching confidence.

And if you’re ready to fully implement this framework with personalized guidance, join my Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing mentorship program, where we’ll explore each component of the S.E.R.V.E. Method in depth. This program is especially rich in the first E, as you’ll get to follow along with full-length lesson plans on demand to reignite your studentship, which in turn makes you a far better teacher.

Because here’s what I know for sure after twenty years of teaching: when you free yourself from planning anxiety, you create space for the real magic of yoga teaching to emerge—authentic connection, transformative experiences, and the unique gifts that only you can offer your students.

Want to dive deeper into the S.E.R.V.E. Method? Join me for a free workshop June 24, 2025, where I’ll walk you through each component with practical exercises you can implement immediately. It’s in Comfort Zone Yoga, my free community for yoga teachers—sign up below!

How to End Your Yoga Class So Students Remember You

The way you close your yoga class is just as important as how you begin. Students might forget the details of the sequence you taught, but they’ll remember how they felt when they left. A rushed or awkward ending can leave them feeling unsettled, while a thoughtful, well-structured closing fosters integration, ease, and a sense of connection.

If you want to increase student retention and create a memorable class experience, you need to stick the landing. Here’s how to craft a strong closing that keeps students coming back.

Why the Last Five Minutes of Class Matter

Think about your favorite books or movies. A weak ending can undermine even the most brilliant beginning and middle. The same is true for yoga classes.

The final moments of class help students:

Integrate the physical and mental benefits of practiceTransition from the focused, internal state of yoga back to everyday lifeRetain key themes or intentions from classLeave with a positive impression that makes them want to return

Yet many teachers rush through this part, either because they mismanage time or because they haven’t thought through their closing sequence. A well-planned ending, on the other hand, creates a smooth and satisfying conclusion.

The Essential Elements of a Strong Class Closing

A powerful closing doesn’t happen by accident. It has a structure, just like the rest of class. Here are the key elements to include:

1. Physical Completion

Your closing sequence should gradually bring students down from active movement into rest. In most traditions, this includes some form of final relaxation—savasana, seated meditation, or another restorative posture.

2. Mental and Emotional Integration

Encourage students to notice the effects of their practice. This could be as simple as a brief body scan, a moment of silence, or a guided reflection.

3. A Clear Signal That Class is Ending

Students should feel a sense of closure. You can mark the ending with a chime, a poem, or a ritual phrase that you use consistently.

4. Practical Logistics

This includes instructions about putting away props, upcoming class announcements, or any other relevant details. Keep this separate from the heart of your closing so it doesn’t break the mood.

The Role of Final Relaxation

Final relaxation isn’t just a nice bonus at the end of class—it’s essential. During active practice, we engage the sympathetic nervous system, intentionally applying stress to the body to encourage adaptation. In final relaxation, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, promoting recovery and integration.

Skipping or rushing through final relaxation can rob students of one of the most crucial benefits of yoga. Even in a time-crunched class, aim for at least one minute of final relaxation for every 10 minutes of total class time. That means:

60-minute class → at least 6 minutes of savasana45-minute class → at least 4-5 minutes90-minute class → up to 10 minutes

If time is tight, be upfront about it. Let students know at the beginning of class how long their final relaxation will be so they can adjust their expectations.

Guiding Students through Final Relaxation

Some teachers leave students in complete silence, which can be powerful for experienced practitioners but disorienting for beginners. Others talk too much, preventing students from fully letting go. The best approach is a balance:

1. Guide students into the posture with clear instructions.

2. Offer a brief body scan or visualization to help them settle.

3. Allow for silence, but let students know when they’ll hear your voice again.

One way to do this is to preview a chime before you stop speaking: “I’ll play this sound when it’s time to come back. Until then, there’s nothing you need to do or make happen.”

This helps students relax fully, knowing they don’t need to stay alert for the next cue.

Transitioning Out of Final Relaxation

Just like the transition in, the transition out should be gradual. If you rush students from deep rest to an upright seat too quickly, it can feel jarring. Here’s a smooth sequence:

1. Deepen the breath slightly to signal the shift.

2. Add small movements like wiggling the fingers and toes.

3. Encourage students to stretch as they’re ready.

4. Roll to one side for a few breaths.

5. Press up to seated at their own pace.

Always include the option to stay in relaxation longer if needed. Some students process more slowly than others, and a little extra space can make all the difference.

How to Make Your Closing Ritual Memorable

The very last moments of class are a powerful opportunity to solidify the experience. You can use this time to:

Offer a closing thought that ties back to your class themeRead a poem or inspiring passageChant or breathe as a groupGuide a moment of gratitude or dedicationSimply sit in silence together

Whatever you choose, keep it authentic and consistent. Students appreciate knowing what to expect, and a familiar closing ritual helps them feel at ease.

Should You Say “Namaste”?

Many Western yoga teachers close with “Namaste,” but in India, this word is actually a greeting, not a goodbye. Instead, you can simply say what you mean: “I see you. I acknowledge you. I honor you.”

Yoga is about connection, and students come to class to feel seen. A closing that recognizes both individual and collective experience fosters a deeper sense of community.

Avoid These Common Closing Mistakes

Even experienced teachers can fall into these traps:

🚫 The Disappearing Teacher. Don’t check your phone or start packing up while students are in savasana. Stay present.

🚫 Rushing the Ending. If you’re short on time, adjust your sequence earlier rather than cutting final relaxation.

🚫 The Endless Ending. Too many closing elements can dilute the impact. Keep it focused and intentional.

Adapting Your Closing for Different Settings

Different classes may call for different endings:

Beginners

Offer more guidance and explain the process.

Experienced practitioners

Allow for more silence and subtlety.

Corporate/workplace settings

Acknowledge the transition back to work.

Outdoor or nontraditional settings

Consider a standing body scan if lying down isn’t practical.

Trauma-sensitive classes

Emphasize choice in every step, including whether to close the eyes.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Class Memorable

A strong closing transforms a good class into an unforgettable one. By approaching your ending with the same care and intention as the rest of your sequence, you’ll ensure that students leave feeling grounded, complete, and eager to return.

I’d love to hear how you end your classes! Share your thoughts in my free yoga teacher community: Comfort Zone Yoga.

Affirmation: I create a welcoming space

Yoga teacher affirmation:  I create a welcoming space where transformation can happen.

I greet my students and open class in a consistent manner so they know what to expect.

Listen: Theme Weavers Podcast

Want to hear how to theme your yoga class with confidence? Alexandra DeSiato and I joined Heidi Kassner on her excellent podcast, Theme Weavers, to discuss Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Volume 2.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts!

How to Start Your Yoga Class with Confidence

The first five minutes of your yoga class might just be the most important part of the entire experience. Think about it—this is when you establish the energy of the room, create a sense of safety and belonging, and help your students transition from their busy lives into the practice.

If you rush through this moment or start on an uncertain note, your students will feel it. But if you begin with confidence, warmth, and a clear sense of direction, they’ll be able to settle in, trust you, and fully engage in their practice.

Here are practical strategies for starting class with confidence, common mistakes to avoid, and how to craft a class opening that serves both you and your students.

The First Five Minutes Matter More Than You Think

When students walk into your class, they’re coming from all kinds of circumstances. Some are rushing in from work, still thinking about emails and deadlines. Others may be navigating personal stress or dealing with physical discomfort. Your role as a teacher is to create a container—a space where they can set everything aside and arrive fully in the present moment.

The way you start class sets the tone for everything that follows. If you feel scattered, hesitant, or rushed, that energy will ripple into your students’ experience. But if you’re grounded, welcoming, and intentional, they’ll feel safe and ready to engage.

Let’s talk about how to make that happen.

Before Students Arrive: Set Yourself Up for Success

A great class opening doesn’t start when students walk through the door—it begins with your preparation. Give yourself at least 15–20 minutes before class to:

• Set up the space. Adjust the lighting, temperature, and props so everything feels inviting and ready. If your class uses props, have them already set out. This small touch makes students feel welcomed and cared for.

• Review your class plan. Take a moment to refresh your memory on your sequence and theme so you feel clear and focused.

• Ground yourself. Check in with your own breath and body. Take a few moments to center yourself so you can be fully present for your students.

If you’re flustered and rushing in at the last second, your students will pick up on that energy. But if you arrive early, prepared, and calm, you’ll be able to welcome them with genuine presence.

Greeting Students: Be the Welcoming Host

Think about your favorite restaurants. When you walk in, the host greets you warmly, shows you to your table, and sets the stage for a great dining experience. Your yoga class should have that same thoughtful beginning.

As students enter, make eye contact, smile, and greet them by name if you can. If you have new students, use a simple, open-ended phrase like: “Are you a new face for me?”

This allows students to share whether they’re new to yoga, new to your class, or just new to you—without putting them on the spot.

If your studio uses preregistration, take a minute to glance at the roster beforehand. Seeing names ahead of time can help you greet students personally and start building relationships.

Another great way to connect is to ask, “Is there anything you need from your practice today?” This signals that you care about their experience while keeping things within your scope of practice. Remember, you’re not diagnosing or fixing—you’re simply inviting students to check in with themselves.

The Official Class Opening: Setting Expectations

Once everyone is settled on their mats, it’s time to officially open class. This is where you set the structure and tone for the experience.

A simple, effective framework for this is the Five W’s and One H—the same method journalists use to provide key information quickly and clearly.

• Who: Introduce yourself, even to a room of regulars. “Hi everyone, I’m Sage, and I’ll be guiding your practice today.”

• What & When: Give a quick overview of the class style and duration. “This is a 75-minute flow class. We’ll wrap up with a long relaxation at 7:15.”

• Where: Offer logistical details. “If you need to step out, the exit is to your right. Props are at the back wall.”

• Why: Share the focus or intention for the class. “Today, we’ll be exploring balance—not just physical balance, but the balance between effort and ease.”

• How: Give a quick reminder of class guidelines. “Everything I offer is optional, and you’re always welcome to modify or take a break as needed.”

This takes less than a minute, but it gives students a sense of clarity and security. They know what to expect, which helps them relax into the practice.

Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced teachers can fall into some common traps when opening class. Here are a few to watch out for:

1. Apologizing

Saying “Sorry the room is cold” or “Sorry I’m running late” immediately undermines your authority. If something needs addressing, acknowledge it without making excuses.

2. Information Overload

You don’t need to front-load every detail about the class in the first five minutes. Keep your opening clear and concise—students will absorb information better when they’re settled.

3. Skipping Logistics

Make sure students know where props are, how long class will last, and what to do if they need a break. This practical information helps them feel comfortable.

4. Inconsistency

If your class opening changes dramatically every time, it can feel unsettling for students. A consistent, predictable structure helps them transition into practice smoothly.

5. Rushing Through It

Treat your class opening as part of the practice, not just a formality to get through. Give it the same attention you’d give a well-sequenced posture.

Adapting Your Opening for Different Audiences

Different classes call for different approaches. Here are a few ways to tailor your opening:

• For beginners: Offer more explicit guidance and avoid jargon.

• For corporate/workplace classes: Acknowledge the shift from work mode to yoga mode.

• For morning classes: Keep it gentle—lying down might feel too much like going back to bed!

• For trauma-sensitive spaces: Emphasize choice and agency. “Everything I offer is an invitation.”

No matter the setting, the goal is always the same: to create a smooth transition from daily life into the practice.

Final Thoughts: The Power of a Thoughtful Opening

Your class opening isn’t just a warm-up—it’s a crucial part of the practice. It sets the stage for connection, presence, and transformation.

Approach it with intention, refine it over time, and trust that your confidence will help your students feel at ease. When you start class with clarity and warmth, you create a space where students can truly show up—for themselves and for their practice.

Looking for more insights on teaching? Listen to episode S1E25 of Yoga Teacher Confidential here!

listen now

Affirmation: I Show Up at My Best

Yoga teacher affirmation: I show up at my best no matter how many students are there.

I know the measure of a teacher isn’t how many people show up—it’s how I show up.

What If No One Shows Up? How to Turn Empty Classes into Growth Opportunities

Every yoga teacher will face this at some point: You arrive at the studio, maybe light a candle, set up your mat, and . . . no one walks in. Or maybe just one student arrives, turning your planned group class into an unintentional private lesson. It can feel disappointing, frustrating, or even like a personal failure—but it’s none of those things.

The reality is, low class numbers happen to every teacher, no matter how experienced they are. Students have unpredictable schedules. Weather impacts attendance. And new class times often take a while to gain traction. Instead of seeing underattended classes as a failure, we can reframe these moments as opportunities for growth.

reframing low attendance

Our first instinct when attendance is low is often self-doubt. Was my last class bad? Am I not connecting with students? But more often than not, attendance has nothing to do with you. Life gets in the way—maybe there’s a big sports event in town, a traffic jam delaying students, or it’s the first warm day after a long winter.

When you stop taking low numbers personally, you can start seeing them as a gift. Small classes allow for:

Deeper connections. You can tailor the practice to your student’s needs in a way that’s impossible in a full class.More feedback. With fewer students, you can refine your cueing and sequencing in real time.Teaching adaptability. You’ll get better at shifting your class on the fly, which is an essential skill in private yoga.maximizing solo-student classes

When only one student arrives, how do you handle it? Instead of treating it like a letdown, position it as a special experience. I like to say, “Lucky you! You just got a $150 private lesson for the price of a group class.”

Some students might feel uncomfortable being the only one in class. At my studio, we offer them a choice: “If you’d rather not do a private lesson today, you can save your class credit for another time.” But be mindful of your tone—if you sound like you don’t want to teach, your student will feel it! Instead, approach it with enthusiasm and let them know they’re getting something extra special.

how to teach an unintentional private lesson

Stick to your plan. The student signed up for a group class, so don’t suddenly throw them into a full private session. Keep the structure but make small adjustments to fit their needs.

Offer a little customization. Ask how they’re feeling and if there’s anything they’d like to focus on—but don’t overwhelm them with too many choices.

Stay professional. Even if it feels awkward at first, remind yourself that this is a great opportunity to refine your skills and offer deep value to your student.

And remember—sometimes these accidental private lessons turn into recurring private clients!

what if no one comes?

If the class is truly empty, don’t just pack up and leave. Use the time wisely!

Practice teaching to an empty room. Go through your cues, transitions, and timing as if students were there. The more reps you get, the more confident you’ll be in full classes.

Record yourself. Set up your phone and film a few minutes of teaching, or use voice notes to record your cues. Watching or listening back is one of the fastest ways to improve.

Refine your sequences. Take time to tweak your class plan, experiment with variations, or create new themes for future classes.

Help out at the studio. If you’re being paid for the hour, consider using it to tidy props, fold blankets, or do light studio maintenance. A well-organized space benefits everyone.

the real measure of a yoga teacher

The number of students in class doesn’t define your skill as a teacher—how you show up does. Whether it’s a packed room, an unexpected private lesson, or an empty studio, every moment is an opportunity to refine your craft.

So the next time you find yourself staring at an empty class, take a breath. Use the time to improve, experiment, and prepare. Because the teachers who embrace these moments are the ones who grow the fastest.

I would love to hear—have you ever taught an unintentional private lesson? How did you handle it? Share your experience in the Zone, my free online community for yoga teachers! Join for free at comfortzoneyoga.com.

Affirmation: I Can Make a Big Difference

Yoga teacher affirmation: I can make a big difference one on one.

I bring my full presence and attention to every lesson and teaching opportunity.

How to Build Confidence in Teaching Private Yoga Lessons

Feeling nervous about offering private yoga lessons? You’re not alone! Many yoga teachers hesitate—not because they lack skill, but because they lack confidence. Pricing, session structure, and meeting individual student needs can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: you already have everything you need to teach private lessons successfully. You just need to step into your confidence.

In this post, I’ll share my personal journey with private clients, the benefits of one-on-one yoga, and three key steps to help you feel at ease teaching private sessions. Plus, I’ll offer a bonus tip to add value and keep your students coming back.

why private yoga lessons matter

Private yoga lessons offer so much more than group classes—for both you and your students. They allow for:

• Personalized attention: Every session is tailored to the student’s unique goals, injuries, or preferences.

• Stronger relationships: You get to know your students deeply, which improves retention and referrals.

• More income per hour: Private sessions can significantly increase your earning potential.

• Greater confidence in teaching: Learning how to teach the person in front of you translates to better group classes, too.

Yet, despite all these benefits, many yoga teachers avoid private lessons because they feel unsure about how to structure them, what to charge, or how to market their services. I was the same way—until I realized that confidence comes from clarity, preparation, and practice.

my journey with private lessons

Can I tell you something? Teaching private yoga lessons used to terrify me. And that’s after 10+ years of working one-on-one with high-profile clients—including the most famous man in my town!

I started teaching private lessons in 2004 as a trade, exchanging yoga sessions for coaching in marathon and triathlon training. These were comfortable because they felt like a skill swap. But when I began offering paid private lessons, things got real.

One of my first big private clients was Roy Williams, the beloved basketball coach at UNC. When I first started teaching Roy and his wife Wanda, I was intimidated. But as I continued showing up, preparing well, and adapting sessions to meet their needs, my confidence grew. Eventually, I even wrote a book—Everyday Yoga—based on the sequences I developed in those private sessions.

If you’re holding back from offering private lessons, you’re not just limiting your income—you’re missing the chance to see the real impact of your teaching. Here’s how to step into your confidence and start offering one-on-one yoga with ease.

3 steps to confidence in private yoga lessons1. Clarify Your Offer

Before you start offering private lessons, get clear on:

• Who you want to teach (athletes, beginners, seniors, busy professionals?)

• What type of private lessons you offer (alignment-focused, restorative, strength-building?)

• Your unique expertise (What have you personally learned from yoga that you can share?)

Defining your niche will make marketing effortless. If you struggled with yoga post-baby or found it essential for managing stress, those experiences can shape your offer!

Tip: Write out a short elevator pitch: “I help [type of student] with [specific need] through private yoga lessons.” This will make it easier to talk about what you do.

2. Set Your Pricing with Confidence

Many teachers undervalue themselves when setting private lesson rates. But here’s the thing: if your rate feels slightly uncomfortable to say out loud, you’re probably on the right track.

Start by considering:

• Your experience and expertise

• The market rate for private yoga in your area

• The value of your time and preparation

You can also offer package deals to encourage consistency while keeping your hourly rate high. Listen to Episode 20 for more on pricing with confidence!

3. Structure Your Lessons Simply

You don’t need an elaborate plan—just a clear, flexible framework. Try using my 6-4-2 method for sequencing private sessions:

• Six moves of the spine: forward bend, backbend, side bends, twists, axial extension

• Four lines of the hip: front, back, inner, outer

• Two core moves: stabilization and engagement

Tip: Use a simple intake form (via Google Forms or Airtable) to learn about new clients before the session. This saves time and helps you show up prepared.

Bonus Tip: Add More Value with Follow-Ups

Want to keep your private students engaged? After the session, send them:

• A short written recap of key takeaways

• A simple home practice plan

• A quick demo video (even filmed on your phone!)

This small extra effort sets you apart and makes clients more likely to rebook.

you already have the skills—now it’s time to offer private lessons!

Teaching private yoga doesn’t have to be intimidating. With clarity on your offer, confidence in your pricing, and a simple session structure, you’ll feel prepared and at ease.

Repeat after me: “I can make a big difference one-on-one.”

Want to dive deeper? Listen to more in season 1, episode 23 of Yoga Teacher Confidential:

listen here

Affirmation: No One Gives Feedback Unless They Care

Yoga teacher affirmation: no one gives feedback unless they care.

I want to be the best teacher I can be, and I recognize that means asking for constructive criticism. When I grow, my students win.