Good preparation gives me freedom during class. Naturally gifted lecturers can review their notes briefly just before class and then give a spellbinding discourse on the topic of the day. Instead, I find that intensive preparation liberates me during the class. I have confidence knowing exactly which topics are fundamental to the understanding, which can be considered derivative, and which are covered sufficiently in the assigned reading. This confidence allows me to incorporate group work and other nonlecture activities that are traditionally excluded from engineering education due to the drive to cram as many facts and analysis tools as possible into each class.
Teachers can rely on each other for guidance.
I have had the good fortune not only to have been taught by good teachers, but also to work with dedicated educators who willingly give their time and advice. Applying their advice has been critical to the improvement of my teaching. I rely on my colleagues as sounding boards for ideas and for moral support when those ideas do not work as planned. By incorporating their suggestions, I continually try to become a better teacher.