Expressing concern that interest in hand lettering and calligraphy has diminished due to limited career applications, seventeen U.S. master calligraphers who teach or have taught calligraphy were interviewed. The calligraphers made six suggestions that have implications for educators: (1) italic based alphabets, rather than the current forms of penmanship, should be taught in elementary grades since there is some evidence suggesting that learning this calligraphy form improves self esteem and academic performance among young children labeled unteachable; (2) a clarification of calligraphy standards is necessary for the recognition of calligraphy as a unique art form; (3) calligraphy is a valid way to learn principles of design; (4) study of the historic development of letter forms contributes to general understanding of the history of Western Civilization; (5) calligraphy skills are a useful resource for professional work and contribute to a sensitivity of industry's needs; (6) calligraphy should be offered as an optional course in the foundation year program. (MM)