Science is a community effort whereas art is intensely personal. But I would like to at least take some space in the newsletter to think about the art of teaching. Great teachers improvise. Just as genius musicians such as B. B. King or Louis Armstrong tailor every song to their audiences, genius teachers have a sixth sense about their students' moods and adjust their approach accordingly. Without thinking, they know when to push, when to back off, when to crack a joke, and when to read the riot act.
Great teachers have a style.
Looking at a Picasso or listening to Aretha Franklin, you know immediately who created that art. These artists have a unique style that others can imitate but can't master. The best teachers have their own styles that express their personalities and their passion for learning. One of the best teachers I ever had was a tough, demanding taskmaster. Another had a kindly, almost motherly style.