West Virginia: Letters to Future Educators

Dr. Vaughn G. Rhudy (WV ’03)
Director of Assessment, West Virginia Department of Education

Dear Future Teacher,

Congratulations on choosing to pursue a career in one of the most rewarding professions that has ever existed – teaching. As a teacher you will have the opportunity to help shape the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of students who are relying on you to guide them on their educational journey.

It is not always going to be easy. You will face numerous challenges and encounter a plethora of obstacles along the way. Each student you will have in your classes will be different. Some will come to you with different skills and background knowledge. Some will be highly motivated and eager to learn. Others will break your heart because of their deficits or their troublesome home environments. Some will be high achievers, while others will struggle with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. Regardless of the students you find in your class, you will be challenged with imparting to all of them the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful in their lives.

There may be times when you feel overwhelmed and want to give up. Just hang in there because undoubtedly there also will be times when you will feel the pure joy of teaching, especially when one of your students suddenly grasps a difficult concept or demonstrates success on a challenging problem or writes an astounding essay. No greater feeling exists as a teacher than when your students succeed. When that happens, all the challenges you had to overcome along your journey will be well worth it.

Before coming to the West Virginia Department of Education as a state-level administrator 15 years ago, I had the pleasure of being a classroom teacher for 21 years. I look back on my experiences during that time, and I cherish my memories. Teaching wasn’t just a job; it was my passion. I poured my heart and soul into trying to help my students discover the excitement of learning, and I loved every minute of every day, including those days when things did not always go as I planned.

I enjoyed teaching young people, and even to this day, I still hear from many former students who tell me how much they enjoyed my classes and how much I helped them achieve the success they have had. It’s those moments when I realize that I made the right choice to become a teacher. One day, you will experience the same feeling.

As you prepare to take this journey toward becoming a teacher, think back to your own teachers who inspired you and helped you along the way. Remember the ones who made a difference in your life and strive to make a difference in the lives of your students, regardless of what subject or grade level you teach.

Cherish each of your students. Embrace them for their differences and love them for who they are. But most of all, teach them, help them experience the true power of learning, and guide them to be the best they can be.