Great question Farangis and one that is not asked enough, particularly in higher education. While some of the specifics change with different courses (I have taught Statistics, Strategic Planning, and Leadership) the only consistent goal I have for my students is that they can accurately use the tools, techniques, models, and concepts from class to improve their life and the lives of those around them at home, at work, and in society. To me, that is the goal of all education. As it has been said "If you do not use it, you did not really learn it." Thanks for asking the question.
Well, while reading your question my former teacher comes to my mind. He used to say that teaching has dual purpose; 1) facilitate in a class so that to let students know about things 2) reading, reading, and reading to make ready self for questions that might be raise in a class or anywhere in the globe.
So let me come to my own stand what is the most important thing to me as a teacher?
feeling proudness that I am creating and shaping the better one. So I feel like big investor. I have only 12 teaching experience, but I am respected one like senior citizen. Whenever I go to any sector around me, I have a chance to be called “sir” and hearing that “you were my smart teacher in the university”. feeling happy when I see the success of my student.
The most important thing for me as a teacher is to achieve the goals I have planned for the development of my students during the academic year. Also, this gives me joy, satisfaction and confidence in what I am looking for.
“Don't try to fix the students; fix ourselves first. The good teacher makes the poor student good, and the good student superior. When our students fail, we as teachers, too, have failed”. –Marva Collins
To make sure they success, therefore I make myself available to mentor the next stage or stages in their development-should they ask. The higher they reach, the happier I am.