Keywords

career advice, first-year teaching, personal reflection

Abstract

Dear Chris:

I am a dear friend writing to you from the futurethe year 2000, in fact-to share some hindsight that will go a long way in helping to get your brand-new career off to a better start. Trnst me on what I'm about to tell you, pal; I know you better than anyone does.

Let me get right to the point: You are a Knucklehead.

You're twenty-three years old, the ink on your diploma is barely dry, you're about to start your career as a high school English teacher, and you are too naive, obtuse, and self-conscious to know this, but you are a Knucklehead with a capital "K."

Believe me, I know. So listen up good.

First, I'm going to give you four simple suggestions for this first year of teaching. I'll follow with one bit of extended advice that will help you and your students not only this year but also in the years to come.

Original Publication Citation

“Dear Knucklehead: Wise Up,” English Journal 89.7 (September 2000): 149-152.