PROFESSOR: The Problems and Rewards of College Teaching

by Fred B. Millett ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 20, 1960

This inaugurates Macmillan's Career Book series which is designed for a market of high school seniors and college students and which will be presented by men of distinction in various fields. As such it is a publishing venture of higher standing than the Harper Do You Want To Be A---- series, although there will be some parallel professional guidance (Doctor, Lawyer, for example). In the general introduction by President Cole of Amherst, the increasing difficulty of choosing a career, in view of the complexity of our society- the splinter groups of professional specialization, is indicated. Professor Millett, the retired head of the English Department of Wesleyan, in his prospectus of college teaching points out the many responsibilities of the professor, as teacher, scholar, administrator, family man, and member of an academic community. This is later illustrated in a ""typical day"" in the life of a teacher and the fairly exhausting academic duties and domestic demands. Prof. Millett surveys the qualifications and training of the professor-to-be; his doctorate- the ""academic union card""; the types of college and universities, and limitations and advantages of each, where he may serve; questions of professional advancement and tenure; techniques of teaching and the qualities of the great teacher (above all- enthusiasm); the drawbacks (college salaries- lack of leisure- paper work- types of students), the immediate incentives and the more lasting rewards. Professor Millett writes with quiet humor as well as a realistic awareness of the tangible and intangible determinants.

Pub Date: March 20, 1960

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1960

Categories: NONFICTION