Maughn Gregory's refreshing essay presents an honest teacher's struggle to square theory and practice. It also demonstrates how difficult it is for any teacher to be public about one's identity, beliefs, and values without inhibiting or tainting the dialogue that promotes student and teacher growth. Gregory's position and goals reflect the author's history and aspirations as a teacher. In this article, the author focuses on the central issues of Maughn Gregory's essay: problemitizing the tension between the teacher's need, both moral and pedagogical, to be open, versus the right and need of students to self-expression.