Title: It Won't Be Easy: An Exceedingly Honest (and Slightly Unprofessional) Love Letter to Teaching

Author: Tom Rademacher

Date Read: January 13, 2023

Two snaps!

Snapshot of the Book

Rademacher's book is structured around the seasons of a school year, offering an honest and transparent look at the teaching profession. He explores the challenges and rewards of teaching, balancing classroom management with student relationships, and the importance of truly listening to students.

The book addresses adapting to technology and changing educational landscapes while maintaining core teaching values. His memorable phrase "Crappy job, great career" captures the complexity of the teaching profession perfectly.

Snapshot of the Book in My Classroom

The book includes a humorous self-assessment quiz for teachers to determine if they're "terrible teachers." The quiz emphasizes that caring about teaching and students is the primary criteria for success. As Rademacher puts it: "Do you care? You'll be fine. Do you care a lot? You'll probably be great."

This resonates deeply with my nearly 25 years of teaching experience. The honest approach to discussing the profession provides validation for both new and experienced educators. It's the kind of book I wish I'd had during my first challenging years of teaching.

Snapshot of the Book in My Life

Rademacher's transparency about the teaching profession feels refreshing in a time when educators often feel undervalued. His ability to acknowledge the difficulties while celebrating the profound impact of teaching reminds me why I continue in this profession.

The book serves as both a reality check and a love letter to teaching, validating the complex emotions that come with dedicating your life to education. It's a reminder that even on the hardest days, what we do matters immensely.