Hi Eileen: You've made some good points about ways to make personality work favorably in the classroom. Personality is the most obvious way that student relate to the teacher. They could be the most knowledgeable person around, and have have a excellent curriculum prepared, but if their personality falls flat, is weak for some reason, or not well received, those other attributes will be diminished. But I don't think anyone should be artificial. The natural version of ourselves will be better received, and our own version of humor, enthusisam, excitement, interest, and expertise should be emphasized in class. Students will soon limit their level of trust and respect for teachers who are obviously insincere in their relating to students. Regards, Barry