Much of what inspired students in the past is insipid today. The chalkboard cannot compete with virtual reality. My mission as a professor is to evolve continually. Mastery of the nuances of the subject is mandatory. Research and the study of treatises are prerequisites, but assimilating a wealth of knowledge does not miraculously produce eloquence and insight that can be comprehended by students.
Conscious effort is required.
Continual experimentation with new pedagogical techniques is mandatory. Intuitively, I know that I can not adapt some strategies successfully employed by others. For example, Professor Mennell at Southwestern was a master at using the blackboard. While education can be entertaining, substance must not be lost. Creative delivery may keep the students' attention, but the medium must not become the message.