The author, who is an award winning college professor, is often asked about her philosophy of teaching. She reflects upon her own undergraduate experiences when she considers what makes an effective course. In this article, the author shares and discusses five principles of teaching that define her teaching philosophy: (1) Be approachable; (2) Use active learning methods and emphasize personal relevance; (3) Encourage primary source reading and critical thinking; (4) Challenge students both intellectually and personally; and (5) Teach from who you are.