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Teacher Ricky Nutt credits Vallejo City Unified’s support for keeping him in the classroom
Summary
Ricky Nutt, a seventh-grade world history teacher at Hogan Middle School, told a Vallejo City Unified meeting that 17 years with the district and patient site leadership helped him stay teaching through early pandemic struggles, recalling a July 2020 message from a former student that affirmed his impact.
Ricky Nutt, a seventh-grade world history teacher at Hogan Middle School, said his 17-year career with Vallejo City Unified (VCUSD) has been sustained by patient district and site leadership and by encouragement from the community.
"I've worked here in VCUSD for about 17 years," Nutt said. He told the meeting that in his first months he considered quitting, but that "the leadership within the district, within the site, they were so patient with me, it really helped me endure."
Nutt recounted a July 2020 message from a former student during the pandemic that he said demonstrated the enduring effect teachers can have: "You were one of the best teachers, and I don't think I would have made it this far in my life if it wasn't without you." He said reading that message reminded him "that I matter."
This school year, Nutt said, Hogan Middle School focused on consistent teaching strategies across campus and that collaboration and encouragement among staff have increased: "I have seen a level of collaboration and teamwork, and encouragement that I really have never seen before." He credited that culture with strengthening teaching practice and supporting both new and experienced teachers.
Nutt urged the community to recognize teachers' roles and to support the district, saying the thoughtfulness of parents and community members—telling teachers they matter—helps keep educators engaged in their work. He closed his remarks by saying, "Think VCUSD first."
