What would you say if you could write a letter to your younger, less experienced self? What hard-won wisdom would you like to impart to the person that you once were? Or, if you are looking to the future, what advice would you give to yourself, to remind you of the priorities to keep in mind?
The letters collected in this book were authored by a diverse group of educators-both seasoned professionals and aspiring teachers-who wrote to themselves as beginning teachers. Their letters address what they judge to be most critical issues facing a new teacher and offer suggestions for handling these in ways that allow them to be true to the core values and beliefs they hold most dear.
Their insights and advice are offered to help those who are entering this profession to focus on the crucial keys to success, so that they not only persevere and overcome the challenges of their first year, but also prevail and flourish in the years to come.
This compilation of letters will appeal to a wide range of readers-whether they have zero years of experience, are long retired, or fit somewhere in between. Preservice and novice teachers, who are just beginning their careers in this challenging but rewarding profession, are an especially appropriate audience. Other intended audiences include professors who train new teachers, veteran teachers who mentor them, and administrators who supervise them.
This book celebrates those who have chosen teaching, the most noble of professions, and pays tribute to their commitment and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of our children.