Four extraordinary people have one thing in common-each has received an outstanding teacher award at an upstate New York university. Each of the professors' pathways in life has been lined with pain, love, discovery, and finally acknowledgement as every one reaches the pinnacle of their career.

White-haired Irishman Stanley MacKeon, an immensely popular professor of English Literature, has been teaching at Brookside for twenty-two years and has never had a vacant seat in any of his classes. Height- and hair-challenged Earl Starkvisor, chairperson of the science department, is a genius who, despite being known for being slightly overbearing, still has students flocking to his classes. Nan Alderage-Gates, one of only four female faculty members, has gained international recognition for her work in nanotechnology. Known for her disciplinary approach to teaching, she accredits much of her success to two other women-her mother and her partner. Professor Stewart Gill, an outspoken advocate for his deaf students, is an idealist who never tires of fighting university politics.

<i>The Good Teacher</i> explores the crux of relationships, foibles, and strengths and weaknesses while sharing the unique stories of the four passionate people behind the awards.