Through an exchange of letters, a veteran public school teacher advises a doubting beginning teacher (her former student) to remain in the classroom. The letters reveal both women's innermost thoughts about the difficult, demanding, and rewarding profession of teaching. (SM)

Discusses how former public school teachers return to the classroom. Statistics show 55 percent of new public school hires are re-entrants. Many find it easy to leave but tough to return to teaching and must seek work outside their state or in private schools. Keeping certification current helps. (SM)