West Virginia: Letters to Future Educators

Brian Allman (WV ’19)
Social studies teacher, Buckhannon-Upshur High School | Buckhannon

Dear Future Educator,

“Thank you for investing in the future.” Always remember that phrase. You won’t hear it enough but remember it when you get overwhelmed and discouraged. We’ve all been there. This job is hard — so incredibly hard — but our students need you. The future of our communities, our state and our nation is in your hands. The importance of that can’t be stated enough. Thank you.

“You make a difference.” Always remember that phrase. There will be lesson plans that don’t go as expected. There will be sleepless nights and stress. There will be times when your heart wants to break. It can be easy to dwell on everything that can and will go wrong, but don’t let that overshadow the joy and importance of our profession. Our students need you. Relationships that you build with them can last a lifetime. When a former student writes you a letter, visits you years later, or invites you to an important event, remember — you made a difference.

“Don’t take it personally.” Always remember that phrase. There is always a cause for unwanted or negative behavior, and it is almost never you. Know that your content is important, but it is only a small part of being an effective educator. Don’t compare yourself to others. The best teacher in the building was at one time a first-year teacher. Know your students. Care about your students. Be there for your students and remember — don’t take it personally.

“Be intentional.” Always remember that phrase. Boundaries matter and you can’t let your role as an educator consume you. Education is your job, but it isn’t your identity. Bring “yourself” to the classroom every day. You are unique, special and talented in your own way. Embrace that. The work is endless, and you’ll need to accept that. Routine, structure, and the amazing teacher down the hallway will often save you. If you aren’t having fun, you are doing this job the wrong way. Many worthwhile opportunities will come your way but remember — be intentional with all decisions you make.

“Fail forward.” Mistakes, many mistakes, will happen. Learn from them. Embrace them. Realize that before anyone succeeds, they sometimes fail. There is beauty in the journey, and no one becomes a world-class teacher overnight. The best educators understand that learning never stops, and they continuously strive to be better. They learn from their mistakes — they fail forward.

Future educator, thank you for being you. It takes a special person to enter this profession. Our students need you. Our students will thrive because of you. You are the future.