Why do you teach? My friend asked the question when I told him that I didn't want to be considered for an administrative position. He was puzzled that I did not want what was obviously a "step up" toward what all Americans are taught to want when they grow up: money and power.

Certainly I don't teach because teaching is easy for me. Teaching is the most difficult of the various ways I have attempted to earn my living: mechanic, carpenter, writer. For me, teaching is a red-eye, sweaty-palm, sinking-stomach profession. Red-eye, because I never feel ready to teach no matter how late I stay up preparing. Sweaty-palm, because I'm always nervous before I enter the classroom, sure that I will be found out for the fool that I am（补足语）. Sinking-stomach, because I leave the classroom an hour later convinced that I was even more boring than usual.

Nor do I teach because I think I know answers, or because I have knowledge I feel compelled to share. Sometimes I am amazed that my students actually take notes on what I say in class!

administrative administer
a. of the management of affairs 行政的，管理的
administration
n. 管理（部门），行政（机关）
puzzle
vt. fill with doubt and confusion 使迷惑
step (-) up =promotion
n. promotion; increase in size, speed, etc.提升
mechanic
n. skilled workman, esp. one who uses or repairs machines and tools 机械工；机修工
sweaty
a. covered with sweat, sweating
palm
a. 手掌
profession professional adj专业的 n专业人
n. occupation, esp. one requiring special training, such as law, medicine, or teaching

convince
vt. make (sb.) feel certain; cause (sb.) to realize
compel
vt. force (sb. or sth. to do sth.)