This is an essay and a confession. It is an essay, because I deal with teaching from a personal point of view. It is a confession in the dual sense of revealing a few “sins,” and stating my beliefs about teaching. My aim is didactic. I hope others, including professors, students, administrators, college and university trustees, and legislators, discover something useful in what I say.

A number of factors affect how and what people teach. Performance is shaped by the professor's personality, experience, subject matter, research interests, publications, general prominence within the university or college, type of students, and the value placed on teaching by peers and the administration.