Here in my neck of the woods, it’s the weekend before the start of classes. At my house, life got frantic this week as my wife, a high school language arts teacher, returned to work.
It’s about to get really busy if you are at all involved in education. As you gear up in whatever way that you do, I selfishly wanted to jot down a few reminders that I’d be telling myself if I were about to get started.
First. I hope you take lots of risks for the sake of learning this year. Not just for your students, but also for you. Make it a goal to try to learn something in a sustained and meaningful way that has little to do with your classroom life. I’ve been trying to learn photography this year, and while I’m nowhere close to proficient, it has been helpful to be in the mindset of a learner who’s struggling. That’s how many of our students feel everyday.
It doesn’t have to be a big risk that you always take – take little ones, too. Ask the question that you’re hesitant to ask. Share the writing you’re doing with your students. Volunteer to do the silly dance at the assembly. Just challenge yourself a little bit every now and then. We rise to the challenge when we’re pushed. But it’s easy to forget to reach.
Try very hard not to work all the time. I suck at this, at turning off my work brain and focusing on being a dad or a husband or “just a dude reading the paper at the corner coffee shop,” but I recognize the value of being at rest and at play, of knowing that it’s better to let small work things go in the name of preserving long term relationships. You CAN be that hero teacher that everyone loves and is in awe of, but only for a little while. Then, you burn out and fade away and don’t do anyone any good at all.
You need no one’s permission to postpone a due date or modify an assignment for the benefit of a student, or to delay some grading for the benefit of yourself or your family. All will be right with the world if you’re a day late, so long as you had a reason.
Be an expert when you need to be. Be a learner always. You are probably the most experienced learner in your classroom. But don’t assume you’re the most knowledgable person or object. If you’ve a computer handy, then you’re not. Embrace that. Relationships and mentoring cannot be outsourced or Googled. They take time and genuine concern.
Model always what you want your students to do. You and your behaviors and habits, no matter how much you might wish otherwise, are a curriculum of sorts, perhaps THE curriculum.
Be humble, but fight like crazy for your students.
Have at all times, as Geoff Powell says, “a healthy respect for young people.”
Work on your crap detector. Teach your students to develop theirs. Read and write lots. Let your students make meaningful choices in their learning. Hold them accountable for the choices they make, good or bad.
And share the good stuff. Your stories are all human ones, and they are all special, just as each one of you, and each of your students, is special. There is always someone curious about what you’re up to.
You’ll have nervous days and scared days and failure days. But you’ll also have “yes” days. Write about, reflect upon, and learn from all of them, but build a special place to keep a record of the “yes” ones. Return to it when you need a boost on some of the not-so-good days.
I wish you well. I ask you to be brave and humble and kind and tenacious and wise and caring and gentle and fierce. We so need you to do well. And there are lots of folks out there who want to help. Do good stuff.
83 responses so far ↓
Nick Hamblet // Aug 16th 2008 at 11:08 am
Great reminders, here at the start of another semester. I’ve still got a little more than a week before my semester starts, and plan on returning here to remind/inspire myself again a few times.
David Truss // Aug 16th 2008 at 11:11 am
I wrote a tribute to teachers a while back (linked to my name), but this is so much more than that!
Do good stuff indeed! You epitomize what it means to be a dedicated, caring teacher who takes risks, reflects and strives to do more.
I hope my children have a teacher like you this year.
readerdiane // Aug 16th 2008 at 11:14 am
Thanks for the pep talk.We need to keep reminding ourselves that we can learn from students as well.
David Jakes // Aug 16th 2008 at 11:39 am
Well said.
Claudia Ceraso // Aug 16th 2008 at 12:40 pm
In Argentina lessons start in March and end in early December. We are now coming back from the two-week Winter break. I feel your words are arrive at the right moment.
Thank you for the time to write this beautiful post.
Jenn // Aug 16th 2008 at 1:33 pm
Thanks, Bud. I needed this right now.
Patricia Young // Aug 16th 2008 at 1:36 pm
(somotch8-twitter)
Thanks for sharing that piece, so often we encourage others but seldom hear anyone encourage us. Thanks for making teachers feel we are all in this together for a change!
vejraska // Aug 16th 2008 at 2:52 pm
Thank you for reminding me to slow down in the midst of the frenzy, and remember how important my job is to my students, parents, and to me. I think you just inspired me to finish a post that has been sitting in the draft pile all week!
Ken Allan // Aug 16th 2008 at 6:52 pm
Kia ora Bud!
Well done! As you say, it is also important for the teacher to take care of self. There’s no sense in the ship’s pilot being a responsible pilot if not a responsible person. Which of these two aspects of the whole does the ship rely on?
Ka kite
Karl Fisch // Aug 16th 2008 at 7:07 pm
Nice. Very nice.
Mari Hobkirk // Aug 16th 2008 at 7:45 pm
Wishes all administrators would pass on a similar message to their staff when they return. This is a great reminder, and well said.
Anne Baird // Aug 17th 2008 at 6:14 am
Thanks for reminding us to be kind to the person we often forget when we need it the most. And that is ourselves. Teaching can be the most challenging, frustrating, scary, inspiring, rewarding and amazing job and sometimes we need to be kind to ourselves and recognise that we can’t be everything to everyone all the time. We need to give ourselves permission to relax, to sometimes fail, to have another go, to not be perfect everytime. Who better to know this than other teachers. Good luck for the new school year.
Connie Masson // Aug 17th 2008 at 9:04 am
Thank you Bud! You are an inspiration. Our teachers and students are so lucky we have you in the role you are in right now. I feel it will be another large growth period in our district this year regarding learning and technology opportunities. You rock!
Jackie Ballarini // Aug 17th 2008 at 9:49 am
Somehow the message(s) I need to hear find their way to me. Thank you.
Lori Feldman // Aug 17th 2008 at 9:56 am
Bravo!
Christine Archer // Aug 17th 2008 at 11:12 am
Thanks for the reminders. Well said and much needed.
Kelly Christopherson // Aug 17th 2008 at 2:08 pm
Well said Bud. It is so important that we remember the human part of being a teacher. It is easy to get caught up in all the other things that come with being a teacher, which can consume our days, but we need to remember that it is the relationship we develop with each student that is the real measure of teaching. We don’t teach subjects, we teach students. We are not just teachers but have other sides that need to be developed and cared for and grown. Well done Bud.
Vicki Davis // Aug 17th 2008 at 3:11 pm
You are a sustainable hero, Bud. After meeting you, you’re a great guy, but it is posts like this that have kept me reading your blog for so long.
I totally LOVE this post! Wow! Maybe I should nominate it for best post of the year b/c it is so real!
Linda George // Aug 17th 2008 at 3:18 pm
Thank you! I have received many kicks in the pants this summer and this was a good one. I like it and will send it on to others!
Deanna Stall // Aug 17th 2008 at 3:36 pm
What a great reminder of the basics; that we need to be a learner first and then we can be a teacher. I plan to share this blog with other teachers as they embark on another school year that doesn’t have to be JUST ANOTHER school year. Great job and thank you!
JBlack // Aug 17th 2008 at 3:59 pm
Bud -
Very inspirational! Thanks. I shall read it once a hexter this academic year.
Scott Snyder // Aug 17th 2008 at 4:07 pm
Thanks for the inspiring words at this overwhelming time! A lot to keep in mind and remember as the school year gets zany.
Tracy Rosen // Aug 17th 2008 at 4:17 pm
hot. but HOT.
Good reminders to us about to re-enter the vortex
thanks.
Susan Tompkins // Aug 17th 2008 at 4:24 pm
Wow! Well said and perfect timing since we are also starting school this week, in my neck of the woods (La.)
JBlack // Aug 17th 2008 at 4:56 pm
Loved it so much, I “wordled it” so I can look up at often! Thanks again, Bud.
http://web20intheclassroom.blogspot.com/2008/08/as-i-teach-this-year.html
Jeff Lewis // Aug 17th 2008 at 5:08 pm
We do our students no good if we burn out and exit the profession. Thanks for the reminders of how to achieve balance in life.
carla arena // Aug 17th 2008 at 5:18 pm
Bravo, Bud! I’ll certainly share this positive embracing of being a teacher and educator with my colleagues. I’m sure your words will inspire them!
Arkansawyer » “An Open Letter to Teachers” // Aug 17th 2008 at 6:24 pm
[...] is Quincy’s first day in kindergarten. Here’s something I hope every teacher in her school reads: Be an expert when you need to be. Be a learner always. You are probably the most experienced [...]
Angeles Berman // Aug 17th 2008 at 7:09 pm
Thanks for sharing this post!
In Mexico classes start tomorrow and I’m feeling that I’m pushed to give even my free time for the school, but need time for my family and don’t trying to being selfish, formyself.
This post and the following comments makes me aware about we have to live and learn from everyday, and family first
Tks again
Kyle Stevens // Aug 17th 2008 at 8:03 pm
Great challening thoughts as always Bud. While I will have to reread this post in a few weeks to regain focus, two will stick with me throughout the year. Risk something and be an expert on something. I am teaching a new class this year, so I feel that I will have multiple opportunities to be an expert while my students will be experts on other aspects of the class. I also have a new role in the school as a part-time ITS, so I will be making several risks in working with teachers. Should be a fun year.
Enjoy your day,
Kyle
Kyle Stevens // Aug 17th 2008 at 8:04 pm
Great challenging thoughts as always Bud. While I will have to reread this post in a few weeks to regain focus, two will stick with me throughout the year. Risk something and be an expert on something. I am teaching a new class this year, so I feel that I will have multiple opportunities to be an expert while my students will be experts on other aspects of the class. I also have a new role in the school as a part-time ITS, so I will be making several risks in working with teachers. Should be a fun year.
Enjoy your day,
Kyle
Gail Desler // Aug 17th 2008 at 8:41 pm
Many years ago I was fortunate to have a wise mentor teacher who advised me in week 1 of a new school year to start students on projects that required no grading that first week – giving myself time to get to know – and to enjoy – my new round of students. Your post, like my mentor’s advise, is sort of like a hall pass, Bud. Thanks!
Paul R Wood // Aug 17th 2008 at 8:41 pm
Thank you Bud. I enjoyed this post so much that I sent the link to all of the faculty and staff at the school I work. I hope some of them will take the time to leave a comment for you.
Paul
Molly // Aug 17th 2008 at 9:54 pm
Thank you for the timely much needed reminders. Something to refer to throughout the year. We always encourage our students to take risks, but have make sure we are modeling that as well.
Meg Griffin // Aug 17th 2008 at 11:31 pm
Thanks for the positive words Bud. You help us all remember that the big things in life, really aren’t things at all.
Jim // Aug 18th 2008 at 4:03 am
Thanks for the inspiration, Bud. Heartfelt advice is always my favorite kind.
Anne (whynot88) // Aug 18th 2008 at 5:30 am
“You are probably the most experienced learner in your classroom. But don’t assume you’re the most knowledgable person” is my favorite phrase. My most important function is not to pass on knowledge, but to share how to learn. Thanks, Bud, for a thoughtful start to my (our) school year.
Dennis Richards // Aug 18th 2008 at 6:38 am
Wow, Bud! You outdid yourself on this one.
The Language of Life (Bill Moyers book on poetry – a reference I suspect you might be aware of.) for teachers, for learners all across the world. I have to welcome our new teachers to our district in 25 minute. I am going to feature your inspirational words. The comments also are worth sharing because they show how important your reflections are to other teachers, but also because it underscores the importance of the web as a vehicle for communication.
Thank you from the Falmouth Public Schools, Massachusetts, USA
Regards,
Dennis
Sherry Nelson // Aug 18th 2008 at 7:19 am
Thank you so much, Bud and thank you Mr. Woods for sharing this site and these words. Each year is a new year and we so need to be reminded that we are “teachers” – of students and of ourselves and, sometimes, each other. If we keep the goal in mind, the game gets better and better!
Good luck to all of us,
Sherry Nelson
hey, mister! // Aug 18th 2008 at 4:22 pm
Thanks, man.
Here’s to a good year for your wife, for you, and for the rest of us.
Cindy Blakely // Aug 18th 2008 at 5:40 pm
Thanks for your inspirational message. I will share it with my fellow teachers!
Christa Allan // Aug 18th 2008 at 6:33 pm
Bravo!
Jennifer Leitschuck // Aug 19th 2008 at 9:49 am
Very good reminder of what to think about as school starts. I like “work on the crap detector”
Randy Skaggs // Aug 19th 2008 at 9:53 am
It’s the same every year it seems; I feel like I’m ready, then a snowball effect takes ahold. I’ll be ready, but I don’t ever seem to do everything I want before it’s time to get going. We have to mix work and play, time with family, etc., or you won’t do well. Good reminders; thanks!
Lorraine Orenchuk // Aug 19th 2008 at 2:47 pm
Bud, I saw your tweet about finding a good blog post so I followed the link. Thank you for that and then for the chance to read this. We do so much reflecting, planning, dreaming, and hopefully recharging in the summer weeks. Once school begins, the fast and furious pace can be daunting. Your reminder of what we are doing and why we are here is right on target. “Relationships and mentoring cannot be outsourced or Googled. They take time and genuine concern.” The world may be flat but our classrooms have all kinds of shapes, textures, and personalities in them. Students who deserve our attention today. Happy new school year to all of us.
Lorraine
If you’re like me and freaking « hey, mister! // Aug 19th 2008 at 4:05 pm
[...] And before you step through those doors tomorrow, make sure you read (and re-read) Bud Hunt’s Open Letter to Teachers. [...]
Brian C. Smith // Aug 19th 2008 at 9:07 pm
I will be sure to add this to several of the groups I am to work with this year. You’ve gathered, quite succinctly, the essence of teaching and learning here for us as teachers, professionals and employees. With the many others… thanks a ton.
CBorczak // Aug 19th 2008 at 9:54 pm
Thanks for the pep talk as we start our school ballgame. You touch on many good “tips” that all teachers, veteran to first year, should be remember. Great e-mail!
lisa moore // Aug 20th 2008 at 5:01 pm
Thank you for writing this. I’m in a master’s program to earn my teaching license (secondary english).
I agree wholeheartedly that it is important to keep trying new things – and to reflect on the process.
I took a class on Web 2.0 this summer. (I didn’t have to, but was curious). I spent many hours clicking, putzing and putting my digital immigrant thumbprint all over things, but I learned a lot and feel a great sense of accomplishment. The process was invigorating.
Thank you for your words of inspiration.
And so it Begins « Continuities // Aug 21st 2008 at 9:25 am
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Mary Lee // Aug 21st 2008 at 3:48 pm
Thanks, Bud. Perfect. I’ll be sharing this with our readers and with my staff. Thanks also to JBlack for the Wordle. Way cool. I’m going to print it and hang it where I can look at it often.
links for 2008-08-21 « Donna Murray // Aug 21st 2008 at 9:32 pm
[...] An Open Letter to Teachers A great "read before the first day of school" blogpost for teachers. Inspiring. (tags: blogpost inspring) [...]
Stacey: Two Writing Teachers // Aug 22nd 2008 at 11:30 pm
We did a series this week called “The Big Picture Series,” which connects to this. Thanks for this important open letter too!
Recap of T.B.P.S. « TWO WRITING TEACHERS // Aug 22nd 2008 at 11:46 pm
[...] Want to read more inspirational writing to help you get your year started nicely? Click here to see what Bud the Teacher has been writing about. [...]
char // Aug 23rd 2008 at 8:20 am
Your last paragraph is going up in my classroom this week as a little mantra for all of us. It is a great reminder for my co-teacher and me and a wonderful message to send to our students. THANKS!
“I wish you well. I ask you to be brave and humble and kind and tenacious and wise and caring and gentle and fierce. We so need you to do well. And there are lots of folks out there who want to help. Do good stuff.”
pat // Aug 23rd 2008 at 10:18 am
Thanks for the pep talk, it was needed. We go back on 9/2/08 and I find as the years go on I get less and less excited and more and more stressed. Once the initial first day is done then I tend to “settle down”.
amy // Aug 23rd 2008 at 11:54 am
Thanks for this reminder; I’m already back, but I could read this everyday
debrennersmith // Aug 23rd 2008 at 12:48 pm
This is wonderful. I sent out the link to many people and linked it to my blog.
http://www.debrennersmith.com/2008/08/teachers-matter.html
http://www.debrennersmith.com
type teachers matter in search engine
Laura // Aug 23rd 2008 at 6:21 pm
As another new year begins, it is good to read encouraging words. Thank God we are not in this alone, and have the understanding of our families like your wife does. My husband hears it all and lets me laugh, cry, and rant when necessary. God bless our families too as we begin another year.
Carol // Aug 23rd 2008 at 9:36 pm
I’m going to print about ten copies of this and put it in places where I will read it every day! Such important reminders– I’m working on take risks and don’t work too much!
Debi // Aug 24th 2008 at 12:44 pm
Thanks.
It’s always a difficult, seasonal adjustment to fit my life alongside the large time and temporal territory teaching occupies.
I assigned an essay on the first day, and have spent more time working this weekend than I have with my family.
You’re right. I can set my own pace.
A letter not to be missed « Tomorrow’s Education Today // Aug 24th 2008 at 7:15 pm
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Steve Miles // Aug 26th 2008 at 3:15 pm
Hey, Bud…
Are you the Bud that worked as a Teaching Assistant for me at CSU in the Myth and Biblical Backgrounds class, many years ago? I’ve been wondering.
Steve Miles
Anne-Marie Wilcox // Aug 28th 2008 at 7:09 pm
Very nice, Bud. Am very glad there is someone else out there who has a tough time turning the brain off. Have an awesome school year!
CityTeacher // Aug 29th 2008 at 4:10 pm
Thank you for the reminders and the kick in the pants to get started. I’m not prepared *spoken in the Monty Python tone of “I’m not worthy”*
Might As Well Jump! High Expectations, High Efficacy | Re-Siever // Aug 30th 2008 at 2:17 pm
[...] Hunt wrote An Open Letter to Teachers reminding us of the essentials; it’s going up on the wall in my classroom this week. [...]
Lee // Aug 30th 2008 at 4:13 pm
I love this blog! Keep up the good work.
Check this out:
http://theinfluentialteacher.com
Leonard // Aug 30th 2008 at 7:37 pm
Wonderful.
I think the most important part: Model always what you want your students to do. You and your behaviors and habits, no matter how much you might wish otherwise, are a curriculum of sorts, perhaps THE curriculum.
At our school (www.hillcountrymontessori.org) we have specifically set up adult education so we can model adults continuing to learn for our students.
Modeling « Tie Dyed Thoughts // Aug 30th 2008 at 7:42 pm
[...] 30, 2008 · No Comments Check out Bud the Teacher’s Open Letter. He mentions modeling which I think is so important. “Do as I say, not as I do” just [...]
Bud Hunt // Sep 6th 2008 at 11:01 am
I am honored and pleased by all of the positive attention this post has received. Thank you all – and go do good things. Also, tell me what I missed – what else should teachers be thinking about?
Gail Desler // Sep 6th 2008 at 11:35 am
I’ve very much enjoyed following the comments to this post, Bud. I wanted to add a student perspective, shared recently by my son, who more than once has dropped out of school, but last week enthusiastically returned to a local community college. As he headed in to his first class, he called and left this message: “So much depends on getting a good teacher.”
Lisa // Sep 7th 2008 at 10:51 am
Yep, Bud! You got it so right, I’m finally posting! Even at three weeks in, your words are an excellent reminder – I think I’ll give myself permission to take one more hour before I start grading papers this Sunday morning to have another cup of coffee, continue to read the paper, and play on the internet. I’m spending my first year in a new school even though I’ve been teaching for years, and it’s all about risk, building mutual respect, and keeping balance right now!
The first year (of any new job) is tough with the huge learning curve, the second year is good practice, and the third year feels, finally, like an overall success! I think we should also be supporting those new to the profession, in the middle of that learning curve right now, to find successes. The shiny newness of the job has worn off, the overwhelming amount of work is piling up, and I’m guessing many new teachers are fogetting to give themselves permission to have some fun and recharge (even sleep); I know we have no extra time at school, but let’s help support each other as well as our students. Thanks Bud!
Nedra // Sep 11th 2008 at 8:17 pm
Thanks Bud! I’m organizing my lesson plan book tonight. The first thing I see when I open it up is your letter. I want to make sure I keep seeing your reminders to take risks and fight like crazy for my students.
Alex // Sep 15th 2008 at 8:19 am
Great thoughts! You can visit http://www.K5Stars.com for a few more ideas as to make learning purposeful.
Lou Lahana // Sep 17th 2008 at 8:25 pm
…you managed to encapsulate so much wisdom into this post…the hero-complex is such a driving force for me…but you’re right, its flip side is the guilt and exhaustion that accompany it….as you say do it “for a little while”. thanks.
Analia // Sep 21st 2008 at 11:40 am
Hi! I’m an Uruguayan EFL teacher finding new ways to encourage students to write. To do so, we have created two blogs where they are starting to post; however,I think they would feel more motivated if they knew people from around the world visit them and read what they have to say.
Could you help me? Please, visit their blogs and leave a comment. I’ll appreciate it.
Thanks!
Analía
http://donotreadmythiblog.blogspot.com/
http://preprofwritingproject.blogspot.com/
By the way, your blog is awesome!! I really love it
Julie Carney // Sep 29th 2008 at 5:46 am
Thanks for this post. It’s great you encourage educators to keep things in perspective when getting ready for the long haul of the teaching year. Your blog has given me a ton of ideas for a site I started with the NIFB Young Entrepreneur Foundation. If you get a chance, stop by and leave some feedback.
Thanks!
Julie
http://youngentrepreneurfoundation.wordpress.com/
Melissa // Oct 13th 2008 at 6:03 pm
What a nice letter! I would’ve liked to have read it before the first day of school to give me a motivating pep ‘talk’. But it sure is nice to read it now, as we only wrapped up our 6th week of school last week, and I’m already needing encouragement!
Thanks so much!
gmak // Feb 19th 2009 at 5:49 pm
Wow!! You’re so right. We can’t aways be the favorite. There are times we have to be tough.g
dmorrill // Feb 19th 2009 at 5:50 pm
Awesome thoughts – after 13 years in the classroom I have experienced many of those “yes” days and also some of the failures – Emerson has been quoted as saying that those days will happen, rise above them, and go to the next day unhindered by the events of the previous day – a great idea
Tracy // Feb 19th 2009 at 5:51 pm
Reminding ourselves what it’s like to be a struggling learner is such an insightful perspective…..and so worthwhile.
Tracy
J Euler // Feb 19th 2009 at 5:51 pm
I feel the daily challenge of trying to leave work behind. I find it so difficult to feel adequately prepared for my days with my students without spending too much time on getting there. I am constantly trying to recommit to spending more time with my family. I try to remind myself that every day is a new beginning…another chance to get it “more” right!
Lori // Feb 19th 2009 at 5:54 pm
I have only been a teacher for 12 years but I’ve been the position to mentor several up and coming teachers. Much of the advice you give could be a life saver to new teachers and those considering teaching as a profession. Without vision, the teacher perishes. I have instructed the new teachers to only choose one thing per year to improve/work on because that way, that one improvement feels like an accomplishment. I also firmly believe in having my own life outside of my classroom and advise my proteges to set time limits on how many hours they work per week. Its nice to see other teachers who love his/her job but hold to this belief.
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