About creativity research--reasons why I like to be "creative"

I met the focused group in NTNU for the first time on Wednesday (10/28). I am happy to be included in the research project because ever since I started my second Master's program, I have been in a process of exploring my own career cycle and development. Being a part of the research enables me to do more reflection on my teaching as well as on the motivation behind it.

Yes, I think I am different from most of the other teachers in many ways. And I change in different stages, too. There are some reasons that account for who I am now:

1. I like to try different things in my life. As a teacher, it scares me if I just play a traditional role in the classroon. I think this is one of the reasons that explain why I am always coming up with different ideas for different lessons.
2. For another, it is my belief that I should put my students' interest in the center of my teaching platform. Instead of just being a lecturer, I like to create scenarios which require the students to use the target language in the real situaions.
3. Moreover, I've encountered many influential figures in my career life. I learn a bit of this and a bit of that from their strengths. They help to add more varieties to my own teaching and help to shape my teaching styles too.
4. The Master's program I've just finished strengthens my beliefs and increases my interest in researches. Studying broadens my visions too. Now I feel I am at a stage when I can really integrate many ideas into my teaching plans and plot a well-organized lesson with enough theoretical support behind it.
5. The collaboration between me and Rainbow influences both of us to a large degree, even though I admit that once in a while it is a hindrance for more creativity too.
6. The support from my principal and the Dean of Academics plays a role in my professional development. Without them, I couldn't have had the opportunities to go to England, Hawaii, Hungary or Thailand for workshops, conferences or short-term schools in the past three years.
7. As I have shared, I went through a very unpleasant period after transferring to CSGHS in terms of collegiality. But looking back, I realize it's a blessing in disguise. I learn something valuable from my colleagues: organizing my teaching in a more systematic way. In the past, I improvised an activity, did it in the class, enjoyed students' performances or products, and that was it. Now, I make plans, give detailed instructions, deliver the activity step by step and conduct a follow-up evaluation. I keep records of the process too. This is a big change for me, especially from this semester.
8. Another factor that changes me during this semester is that I have to mentor a student teacher during this year. I think it would be more clear for her if I can show her how I plan a lesson, what I design for the lesson, and why I do it in a particular way.
9. I have to give credits to my students, who are competent enough for me to carry out my ideal teaching methods.

I've been teaching for twenty years, but I feel "new" every year. I think I am blessed to get into a field which I really enjoy. What about you?