Mr. Hand is a History teacher at Ridgemont High and is the epitome of the authoritarian method of teaching. He serves as the complete antithesis of the film's lovable burnout Jeff Spicoli, whom Mr. Hand particularly dislikes and often singles out. Mr. Hand is a no-nonsense teacher who views his students as subordinates. It's the kind of attitude that is cultivated over many years of wise ass remarks and blatant defiance. Convinced that all of his students are on dope, he is an intimidating presence that does not nurture a friendly environment in the classroom. Mr. Hand does, however, personally tutors Spicoli so that he can graduate, which suggests that underneath the hard exterior he really does care about his students.