Responsibility is defined as accountability, dependability, and reliability. People learn to be responsible when they take on accountability for their own behavior.

Responsibility for behavior, work, treatment of others, and attitude must be addressed in the learning environment. Educators should not take the learners’ responsibility upon themselves. Learners should experience natural consequences for their behavior and perhaps even devise logical consequences when they are needed. The educator should play the role of facilitator by asking questions which lead learners to acceptance of responsibility for their actions and by helping them to determine steps to change behavior. As people learn to make choices, they find that they may receive the rewards of those choices.

A Great Expectations culture includes, always and in every place, a Climate of Mutual Respect. Educators challenge themselves to match their teaching styles to the tenets and practices defined as Great Expectations.

These educators adopt management techniques that help their learners to recognize their role in the learning environment. They seek ways to involve the learners in the planning, application, and assessment of the learning and the work that is done. They work diligently to meet their learners where they are and to help them progress forward toward their goals. They treat their learners with dignity and compassion. Great Expectations educators desire to leave a legacy with each learner.