The teacher must make lessons meaningful to the class so that they will be interested. In my opinion perrenialism is wrong. Human nature and the nature of schools in general is changing. Everyday the morals and standards of society change. I do agree though that intellect is nourished by truth.
Progressivism is much the opposite of perrenialism.
The essentialists think that there is a core of basic knowledge and skills that an educated person must have. I agree with this ,but there are many things beyond the basics that one should know. Most of all I like the existentialist school of thought where the teacher must engage students in questions that define life and are existence. I know this is a little far from center for most teachers ,but I think it is definitely something I would like to try.