This article traces the experiences of several outstanding teachers while explicating both the specific character of their teaching and how they were formed as teachers. These teachers' beliefs and the characteristics of their teaching style are examined in connection with the distinguishing features of the Russian schools in which they worked. In particular, the article discusses the role played by working with gifted students in the teacher's own development, and the influence exerted by working with creative students on the development of the teacher's own creativity. In conclusion, several implications for teacher education are formulated. (Contains 1 table and 2 footnotes.)