...subject to change

have you ever been experienced? well, i have.

For my experience blog," I wanted to see how my two years stacked up to the well-known-by-now explanation of MTC offered in every Ben Guest email.  In it our fearless leader tries to describe MTC and the MTC experience.  It reads:

"The Mississippi Teacher Corps is the most competitive teaching program in the country. The two-year program, designed for non-education majors, recruits college graduates to teach in the Mississippi Delta and other 'critical-needs' areas, and offers a host of benefits, including teacher training and certification, a full scholarship for a master's degree in education, job placement that includes full pay and benefits and, most importantly, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students in one of the poorest areas of the country."

Let's start at the beginning.

"The Mississippi Teacher Corps is the most competitive teaching program in the country."

This undoubtedly refers to the process for admission.  Luckily, I took the advice of Dave Molina and called Ben myself to let him know how much I wanted to be a part of the program.  And look, I'm here!

One reason I selected MTC is because it did not seem "competitive."  Every Teach for America (I don't abbreviate this because I want to get to 1200 words) person I talked to seemed like their classroom experience was a competition.  Yes, I want to be better than any teacher around me, but not at the kids' expense.  Instead, I have been surrounded by people who I look up to and want to emulate precisely because they are better than me at many things.

"The two-year program is designed for non-education majors,"

Thank God it recruits non-education majors.  We all started in the same place: with no actual knowledge (except Sealand, I guess).  At least four years ago I knew I wanted to teach, but I also knew that I didn't want to take any education classes at the school across the road.  Instead, this program allowed me to continue doing what I loved in college and then pursue what I wanted to do after college.  Win-Win.

"recruits college graduates to teach in the Mississippi Delta and other 'critical needs' areas,"

This is something that I really have come to understand.  Even though I entered this program with a pretty good understanding of the situation in Mississippi, I was not quite aware how descriptive "critical needs" actually is.  These kids are in critical need of new buildings, integration, dedicated teachers, money, jobs, activities, tutoring, books, housing, technology, good administrators, and the list goes on...

Little did I know that I would also be in critical need.  I critically needed time to myself, time to work on lessons, supplies for my classroom, boards that erased, kids who were prepared for my class, etc.  These types of schools and the people who attend and staff them are in critical need of so much.  It is draining to be there day in and day out.

At the end of two years I'm simultaneously excited about a third, non-required year at my school and wondering how I'll have any energy when next year comes to a close.

"and offers a host of benefits, including teacher training and certification, a full scholarship for a master's degree in education, job placement that includes full pay and benefits"

Let me tell you, I don't know if I'd still be here without the benefits.  It's not that you get a full salary.  It's what you can do with it.  My MTC experience has been aided by the people in my class as well as the Classes of 2007 and 2009.  The summers and weekends of "training" have been among the most memorable parts of my experience.  Whether it is the shenanigans at the Super 8, melees in Memphis, or the brouhahas at Bofield's, every time we get together we have a good time.  That may not have been possible in a program that didn't force us to get together.

Additionally, I couldn't have been happier about my job placement.  Parks, Karl, Basile, Liz, Lisa, Peter (close enough), Sharon, Brent, Trevor, Darnell, and Golda were great to work with the last two years.

"and, most importantly, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students in one of the poorest areas of the country."

Did I make a difference in my two years at my school?  I am not going to lie.  I didn't feel that way every day.  I may not feel that way most days, but looking back on these two years, I know I've made a difference in some small way.

I wish I could put it into words that would be profound.  I wish I could make this the blog post that makes people realize what they are doing is good no matter what they are going through.  All I know is that I feel like I've made a small difference for some of the kids.  That is enough for me.

...

So if I had to describe my Mississippi Teacher Corps experience, what would I say?

"The Mississippi Teacher Corps is the most challenging and rewarding teaching program in the country.  The two-year program, designed for people who want this challenge, may actually seem like three or four years, at times.  You will teach in districts that have more critical needs than you have ever dreamed and more than you can come close to meeting.  The benefits include the most rewarding challenge of your life and a collection of friends and moments that you will never want to be without.  You will get a master's degree which will be of secondary concern when you come to realize that your energy will be better spent in a classroom full of children rather than a classroom full of adults.  Lastly, YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  It will be small, it may not be noticeable, but it will be a difference."

to the mtc class of 2010

The following is in the spirit of the great Baz Luhrmann.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the MTC class of twenty-ten,

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.

The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by the Mississippi Volleyball Corps scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering MTC experience…I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of consistent classroom management; oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of consistent classroom management until second year.  But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at blogs about yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really wrote…..You’re not as bad as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future, or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as having your kids solve an algebra
equation in your social studies class.

The real troubles in your classroom are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind: the kind that blindsides
you at 9 AM on some idle Tuesday.  (Didn't have to change that very much.)

Do one thing every day that scares you.  (This one either.)

Teach.

Don't be reckless with your students' trust; don't put up with students who are reckless with yours.

Reteach.

Don't waste your time on the grading.  Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind.  This can be long, and in the end, just throw it away.

Remember compliments you receive; forget the insults. (If you succeed in doing this, tell me how).  (I second that advice.)

Contact the parents of the good kids; this will make you feel better at the end of the day.

Have fun.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. (Why else would you be here?)  The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives; some of the most interesting 24 year olds I know still don't.

Play plenty of volleyball this summer.  Balance work and the summer -- you'll miss it when it's gone.

Maybe you'll teach history, maybe you won't.  Maybe you'll have good children, probably you won't.  Maybe you'll teach 40 kids in one room; maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your first football pep rally.

Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either.  Your placement was half chance, so was everybody else's.

Enjoy Oxford: use it every way you can.  Don't be afraid of it or what other people think of it; it's the greatest town you'll ever know.

Volleyball...even if you have nowhere to do it but at a random Oxford apartment complex.

Read Wong and Wong's The First Days of School (even if you don't follow it).

Do not read The Reluctant Disciplinarian; it will only make you feel unprepared.

Get to know all your students; you never know when they'll be gone for good.

Be nice to your classmates: they're your best link to new ideas and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but hold on to those you make in MTC.  Work hard to bridge the gaps of geography and lifestyle, because the more overwhelmed you get, the more you need the people you surround yourself with in the summer.

Live in Jackson/Batesville/Holly Springs/the Delta once, but leave before it makes you hard.

Live in Oxford TWICE, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel (to Memphis, New Orleans, and everywhere in between).

Accept certain inalienable truths: students will fail, principals will call random assemblies, you too will be "lame"; and when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, your grades were reasonable, your high school principal was great, and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders (including the principal).

Don't expect anyone else to support you.  Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy donor choose you, but you never know when either one might run out.

Don't spend too much time working or by the time your two years are up, it will seem like 5 years have passed you by.

Be careful how you spend EEF money, but be patient with those who supply it.  Advice is a form of nostalgia; dispensing it is weird for me, but it makes good material for a blog.

But trust me on the sunscreen.  Also, play a lot of volleyball this summer!

the original

 

"freewrite"

A standard day in the life of a second-semester-second-year...  (Skip to the analysis below if you don't want to read about the incredibly uneventful day.)

I have to say, I awoke at 6:00am.  I got up easier today than normal, very little stress, just ready for a shower to head to school for the day.

I arrived at NP at about 7:00am.  Walked into my classroom, put down my bag, changed the date, schedule, and Do Now on the board.  I reviewed my PowerPoint notes, objectives, worksheets, and articles for both my preps.  I sat down and graded some work from yesterday's seventh period as well as some late work of other students.  No problems yet.

My first period begins to trickle into the room.  They are a little talkative, but I remind them of my recently installed "one strike and you're out" rule which applies to talking during the Do Now.  Just don't.

My Mississippi Studies lesson is on sharecropping.  Do Now, review homework, collect homework, guided notes.  All runs smoothly.  We listen to some music.  This time it's "The Boll Weevil Song" which is much more upbeat than yesterday's "Strange Fruit."  They look at me oddly, but we listen to the song, read an alternate version, and they begin their independent work.

Second and third period is on cruise control, other than walking around second period with a trash can to collect gum.  That class does not know how to chew with their mouths closed.  I get tired during third period so I let two of my repeaters read everything to the class.  It makes it much easier on me.  One announces, "We know dis stuff because we've taken dis before."  True.

World Geography is next and I'm teaching on HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.  It's a heavy topic, but I didn't realize it until I had begun.  I had the kids' attention today which felt good.  Do Now, preview of HIV/AIDS numbers, notes, video, news article.  Nothing unusual happened in any of these classes, but I think it really did make my kids think hard.  That's about all I can ask, right?

I took my fifth period in stride.  We had a good day going to and from lunch.  They are really getting better at this.  New student three-fourths of the way through the year? Not a problem.  I put him in my gradebook and keep on truckin'.

It's the end of the day and I'm not so tired.  I retrieve make up work for two students who come into my classroom after school.  Now it's time to head home.

******************************************

What about this day was worth writing about?  Absolutely nothing!  That's what is so great.  I had an amazing day!  Where was the stress that I learned to cope with for the last year and a half?  Where were the daily battles I fought for the last year and a half?

It was nearly non-existent.  I still have those days, yes.  We all do, but there has been a change.  MTC has prepared me for days like today.  Not just the classes or the summer, but everyone involved who shared ideas and information and lessons.

I could get used to days like today.  This is what I signed up for.

******************************************

EDIT: Here's an example of the great friends...  My away message reads "freewrite topic suggestions?"  Here are some suggestions:

1. "Your favorite mentor, duh!"
2. "Best vacation ever?"
3. "Great Mark Twain Quote. 'Loyalty to my country, always. Loyalty to my government, when they deserve it.' Discuss."
4. "Why you wish you owned my puppy."
5. "Thank you for reminding me." -- Not technically a topic, but you're welcome, Ryan.

"write about something memorable"

MTC was a collection of some of the most fun times of my life.  I left college thinking that I'd miss my friends immensely, and I have, but I just didn't realize what great people I'd meet in Mississippi.  I also didn't realize how much I'd get to do with folks all over the state (it helps to have a solid paycheck burning a hole in your pocket).  The last two years have certainly been fulfilling, and for that I owe a BIG thanks to all my MTC classmates (you know who you are).

Keeping with the themes of everyone else, here are some (okay, a lot) of my favorite moments:

Jubilee Jam
The first true adventure in Mississippi.  Abe, Emily, Ashton, McGinn, and myself got crunk in Jackson.  A little country, some slow jams, and a dash of Three-6 made the trip a blast.  No dull moments on this one.  Success from the get-go.  Big thanks to Sam W. for lending us his house so we could shotgun some brewskies before walking downtown.

First Oxford Summer
I don't really need to talk about this do I?  We were all there.  A nice way to slip out of college and into the "adult" world.  HAHA!  MVC Rulez!

MTC Oxford Wednesday Night Dinners
My mentor, Molly, is probably the best person alive.  This little tradition will hopefully live on for a long time.  It kept us sane and gave us one night a week to complain and seek advice.

Adventures With Parks
Wow.  It started with a couple harmless football games, continued with a few extra drinks on a Wednesday, and ended on the hood of a car.  Sounds dirty, right?  Not really, just very cold.

I've got to say some things about my roommate.  Parks showed me the Oxford ropes and has introduced me to great people and places.  He was a solid crutch when I got to Oxford and never thought twice about inviting me along or getting me an extra ticket to a baseball game.  Thanks, brother.

Memphis
Drunk.

The Delta
Drunk.  Also a good frickin' time to be had by all.  Thanks to the folks (especially Deitz & Justin) for hosting us.  Abe & Patrick: Beer Pong Champs!

Trivia
Parks, Karl, Peter, Brent, and I have been there a lot.  From dominating Batesville to our solid run in Oxford, we always play to win.  Tuesday night is the greatest of all nights.  Gentlemen, we will get over this slump TONIGHT.

EDIT: Duke Basketball Trip 2009
Once again my mentor comes through and reminds me of another great trip.  I got to see a game at Cameron Indoor (sorry, Sharon).  I can't say it's ND football, but it was a blast!  Molly, Abe, and I had a blast over MLK weekend and I can't think of a better crew to go out with.  Definitely one of the best parts of MTC first year.

ELLESSUUUU Moonshine!
Go Tigas!  You were either there or you weren't.  What a f*ing great trip.  I almost forgot to include this and I don't know how.  Repeating this next year.  Go Rebs!
 
Second Oxford Summer
MVC, pool, party, sleep on someone's couch, school, MVC, pool, party, sleep on someone's couch, school...

Any Other MTC Gathering
Bofield's, Holly Springs, Jackson, Leland, Memphis, etc.  Wherever, whenever, however, I will be there and ready.

*****

It's been real, y'all.

from friday's panolian

http://www.iclassifiedsnetwork.com/v2/content.aspx?module=ContentItem&ID=171227&MemberID=1180

3/26/2010

Defendant explains to judge purpose of his pipe

By Emily Williams

A witty shoplifter approached the bench during Batesville Municipal Court Wednesday.

Rodney Ladd, 1105-B Hawkins Rd., Courtland, told the judge he was guilty of shoplifting steaks from Piggly Wiggly and possession of paraphernalia.

The judge asked what the paraphernalia was.

Ladd told him it was a marijuana pipe.

“I have to have something to smoke my weed out of,” he laughed.

“I told Mark (manager of Piggly Wiggly) I was hungry,” said Ladd.

“You can afford marijuana but not food?” asked Judge Bill McKenzie.

“Well, yes sir,” he shrugged, still laughing.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive :)

Think positive, first-years (and second-years, for that matter)

:)

ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive

"and then they'll go on eating their dinners"

When writing my last two blogs, I kept thinking about this, but I didn't want to squeeze it in.  It deserves it's own post, I think.

I show the movie Hotel Rwanda in my classroom.  At one point the main character thanks the news cameraman for shooting footage of the genocide for the world to see.  He believes it will lead to an international call to end the massacre.

The cameraman replies, "I think if people see this footage, they'll say 'Oh my God, that's horrible,' and then they'll go on eating their dinners."

I'm not saying that Mississippi education is anything like genocide, but think about that quote.  By teaching in Mississippi we make our acquaintances, friends, and family aware of what injustice is found here.  Centuries of injustice.  Ultimately, people go on eating their dinners.

To my fellow teachers: Thank you for not going on eating your dinner.  We know that for two years we eat, sleep, and breathe education.  We will make a difference.  We ARE making a difference.

If you want another reason to join MTC, there it is.  Don't go on eating your dinner.  Do something about it.

why you should stay the hell away from mtc

*Required

Actually, I've thought long and hard (he-he) about this post and the previous one.  Naturally, when I want to impart some good advice or a solid reflection, I draw a blank.

A few moments ago I decided to look at what I thought about this topic last year.  To my surprise, I apparently I did not do this blog topic last year.  I'm guessing that it was because I was just as challenged then as now.  I'll go ahead and try to organize some sort of answer which satisfies me even if it does not necessarily satisfy anyone who reads this.  This is mainly things I've been thinking about a lot over the past few months.

I joined MTC because i knew I wanted to teach first and foremost.  Don't join just because you couldn't get that consulting job at the career fair.  Once this economy rebounds (?) there will be a job for you.  There are a lot of people who want to teach.  Don't take their place or waste your students' time if you don't want to be in a classroom.

If you do want to teach, MTC and the Mississippi public education system will provide the challenges you need to become better each and every day.

Don't join because you want to be hailed as some sort of savior or hero.  There is nothing more annoying or unrealistic than when a person thinks they are going to solve five centuries of problems in two years.  Don't expect to be rewarded for something that 50 other MTC teachers and countless others do every day.

Don't join because you want to relive your high school glory days.  High school today is nothing like it was five, ten, or fifteen years ago.  High schools that MTC places you in are nothing like high schools in other parts of the country today.  Oh yeah, and it's different when you're the teacher.  You'll often find yourself wanting to write letters of apology to your former teachers for the most minor of annoyances.

I am often accused of being "too upbeat."  "No one can be as upbeat about teaching as you are."  I'm not always upbeat.  But I will say that I try my damnedest to try to make everyone glad to be teaching.  That brings me to my next point.  Don't join MTC if you are going to be a pessimistic son-of-a-bitch about teaching, the students, the school you are in, or about Mississippi in general.  You probably came from a great school in a state with very good education.  You probably know how you did it back home.  That's not the way it is here.  Get that into your head before you start.  Don't spend your time contemplating how bad you have it.  There are positive people and negative people in the world.  Don't join if you are not going to make the effort to be positive.

That's enough for now.  I love my experience here.  Yes, my school has not met my expectations this year.  What I can control is my classroom.  That's what makes it worth it.  That's what you'll be able to do.

why you should join mtc

*Required

I have decided not to become all sentimental or think too hard about this post.  I started with a severe case of writers block, but now have too many things I want to say.  The following are the first 8 reasons I could think of to join MTC...

Reason #1 - You will meet some of the best teachers of your life.  They may not be your teachers, but they will be driven and willing to teach in an area where even the best teachers can't wait to become consultants so they don't have to be in a classroom.  These (mostly) recent college graduates will share your desire for social justice, service work, and sense of adventure that awaits in these public school classrooms.

Reason #2 - There is a major league support system at work in MTC.  Need a mentor?  You'll have one whether you say "yes" or "no."  And this mentor won't be the waste of space that your school assigns.  You'll get to pick.  Also, you'll get to know around 50 people who are in your EXACT situation.  They can commiserate.  They can relate.  They can be your crutch when you need a project idea for your Mississippi Studies class (thanks, Abe).

Reason #3 - Oxford, MS.  Is there a greater town in the South?  It's a tough call, but the city will be home for two summers and about 14 weekends a year.  Everyone loves it.  BONUS: If you are lucky enough to be placed in North Mississippi you will be able to feast at one of it's many eateries on Wednesdays.  DOUBLE BONUS: Trivia Tuesdays.

Reason #4 - Second summer.  Wow.  It's probably the most fun ever.  And you're getting paid by your school district to be on vacation!

Reason #5 - Since #4 was kind of a joke, we'll revisit the second summer.  One year under your belt and you'll get the opportunity to help mold new teachers while simultaneously making yourself better as well.  There is a real opportunity for reflection while in a classroom observing other teachers.  It will make you better.  No doubt.

Reason #6 - Paper-folding day in Dr. Monroe's class.

Reason #7 - Your students.  Yes, there will be a few that make you wish you had used that "mental health day" you'd been saving.  Overall, though, the students will make provide the little victories that keep you coming to school.  You'll be begging for students while you sit in professional development.  Students will make everything worth it.  At the very least they will ensure you have a Reason #8.

nphs ole miss football trip

Reason #8 - Stories and quotes.  An endless supply of twitter or Facebook worthy quotations.  A lifetime supply of stories which you can share with friends and family.  Believe me, there is a story for EVERY situation that you can imagine...

So do it!  Join MTC!  Unless, of course, my next post describes you better.

we had homework?

*Required

As I sit here doing my MTC homework which I have put off until the final hours before it is due, I find myself in an odd situation judging whether or not our kids should have homework that I expect to be done in a timely fashion.  That's a long sentence.

After reading this and this, I have taken into account the pros and cons of homework.  I have not changed my mind.

Homework is a necessity.

Does this mean that I have to assign homework every night?  No.  Does this mean that Karl Mill should assign it in math?  Probably.

I see homework as an exercise in individual practice where students must learn responsibility and how to work on their own without a teacher or student to help them on every problem that comes up.  There are obviously other concerns for children in the schools that MTC serves, but when are the kids going to learn to take initiative.  Homework requires that they do so.

There are many arguments showing that rest, etc. is more important than extra practice.  I think those parenting-magazine-reading saps should take a good hard look at successful education in their own lives.  More often than not they had homework.  It worked then.  It'll work now.

Done with my homework now.  Was that so hard?