West Virginia: Letters to Future Educators

Jennifer Reaves (WV ’18)
Technology integration specialist, Mylan Park Elementary | Morgantown

Dear Future Teacher,

First, congratulations on your decision to be a teacher! Whether you choose to stay in West Virginia or take your skills abroad, I applaud you. Being a teacher is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers, one that will not only enrich your life, but the lives of your students as well.

Twelve years ago, I walked into my very first classroom. To say I was overwhelmed was an understatement. Often, I felt like I was drowning under standards, lesson planning, prep, behaviors and more. Being a first-year teacher was definitely harder than I ever expected. Then I began to watch the veteran teachers I looked up to in my building. They made it look so easy! I found myself asking questions, asking for feedback, and asking for help. One of the biggest lessons I learned in my first years of teaching was how important it is to ask for help, take advice, and grow.

I have found over time that the best teachers work collaboratively with those they respect and admire. You can’t do it alone. These connections may even allow you to connect with educators outside of your school and even your state to help you grow and move your students forward in new and innovative ways.

I have grown so much as an educator, by learning from the amazing ones who have come before me. Education is a field that will never stay stagnant, and it is up to us, as educators, to continue to find strategies and new solutions to meet the needs of our students and the ever-changing educational landscape.

I challenge you to make mistakes, to fall down, to have a bad day. It’s okay! We’ve all been there! But remember, you can’t do this job alone. Find those who lift you up, challenge you, make you think, and push you to grow as an educator. Being a teacher is a job like no other, a job where we can shape the young minds of tomorrow. It is a huge responsibility, but with the right people around you, you’ve got this.

I wish you all the best now and in the future.