Great Professors No One Knows

Posted by
Naomi Rockler-Gladen
Jun 17, 2008

Looking for a great professor? Here are some tips for choosing a college instructor or professor:

However, keep this in mind: the best professor for you might not be the best professor for everybody.

In fact, looking for a teacher that suits is a little like dating. (No, don't date your professor, as that's generally a bad idea.) In the dating world, there's always this "perfect catch" who has all those qualities everyone wants: looks, smarts, charisma, a good income, a good family, and so forth. That's the obvious choice, and this person is probably in demand.

On the other hand, if you open your mind when dating, you're likely to come across a "diamond in the rough" candidate who doesn't look as good on paper (or probably in person) than the "perfect catch." But the more you get to know this person, the more you realize he or she has other unique qualities, and that he or she does possess those things you need, if not in such an obvious way.

Some professors are the equivalent of the perfect catch. They're charismatic, entertaining, and probably great teachers. But there are other shyer, weirder, and possible even somewhat boring teachers on your campus that have quite a bit to offer as well-- and these teachers might be a better match for your needs than you realize.

When asking student's opinions about why they do and don't like their professor, listen hard. Are these reasons that are actually important to you? And remember, public opinion isn't everything. Stop by a lecture or two or a professor's office hours to get a better feel for what this person is really like.