BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Matthew Eicheldinger, a middle school teacher from Bloomington, Minnesota, is experiencing unexpected fame after his inspiring story of resilience and persistence went viral. His heartfelt and witty words have resonated with hundreds of thousands of people, leading to a book publication.
Eicheldinger’s journey as a teacher began with a realization that he was meant to work with children. Reflecting on his past experiences in high school, where he volunteered as a soccer coach and church worker, he fell in love with teaching. Understanding the struggles of reading and connecting with students, he came up with a creative incentive system by sharing funny stories from his own childhood.
Instead of handing out candy like other teachers, Eicheldinger allowed students to draw a story from a jar whenever they made good decisions or achieved a task early. These stories, like the one about an old lady spitting on his car during college, became a hit among his students. Recognizing the value in preserving these stories, Eicheldinger decided to compile them into a book.
Despite facing numerous rejections over a period of 15 years, Eicheldinger never gave up. He involved his students in the journey, sharing the ups and downs of seeking publication. Teaching them the importance of hard work, resilience, and persistence, he inspired his students to chase their dreams.
Finally, in 2023, Eicheldinger received the long-awaited good news. He secured a two-book deal with Andrews McMeel Publishing, a well-known publisher of syndicated content such as Big Nate, Garfield, and Calvin and Hobbes. This achievement marked a full circle moment for Eicheldinger, as Calvin and Hobbes was his favorite childhood read.
Amid his success, Eicheldinger decided to take a three-year sabbatical to devote his time to writing and promoting his book. However, during this period, something unexpected happened. Eicheldinger began sharing personal stories and moments from his teaching career on Instagram, connecting with his former students. His follower count quickly soared from 100 to a quarter of a million, with messages pouring in from students he hadn’t seen in over a decade.
The overwhelming support from his students, who remembered his entertaining stories and believed in his dream of becoming a published author, moved Eicheldinger emotionally. Grateful for everyone who has been a part of his journey, he documented every helper he encountered along the way, creating end-of-the-year drawings for each class. This way, he can always remember and appreciate every student who made an impact on his life.
Eicheldinger’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, resilience, and never giving up on one’s dreams. Through his experiences, he teaches his students and readers alike valuable life lessons that extend beyond the classroom. His book publication is a testament to his dedication and the impact he has had on his students’ lives.
As Matthew Eicheldinger’s inspiring story continues to touch the hearts of people around the world, his book is expected to resonate with readers seeking motivation and a reminder of the power of resilience.
