"Well, first I'd like to define what I believe 'tough' to be in the context of teaching. When I think of a 'tough' teacher, I think of one that sets clear boundaries and doesn't bend them. I think of a teacher that might be fun and lighthearted but doesn't allow that to interfere with instruction and learning. I would say that I am tough-adjacent. I believe in boundaries and setting high standards for my students to rise to, and I also believe in the need for contextual adaptation and flexibility. For example, if my students have been working really hard and just completed a lengthy standardized test, then I would encourage them to take a 'brain break' to re-charge prior to jumping back into the material."