My first week in the Mississippi Teacher Corps

My first week as a member of the Mississippi Teacher Corps has been eerily similar to my first week as a freshman of Grove City College.  When I left for Grove City freshmen year the only person I knew there was my older sister.  Everyone other face was completely new although I knew from the start I’d like it.  I’ve had that similar feeling here at Ole Miss as a member of MTC.  The only person I knew previously was a 2^nd year from Grove City College and everyone else was from random parts of the country.  Even though there was some initial culture shock I was confident I’d enjoy my time in the South. 

The similarities to my undergrad experiences don’t end there.  Throughout the first week we’ve had several orientations, many classes and even a few free meals.  I enjoy anything with free food as I am a 21 year old male.

On the slightly more serious side though I’ve absolutely loved our classes and am confident that I will be as prepared as possible to handle teaching in a critical needs school by time August 7^th comes around.  Our classes focus on lesson planning and classroom management – two skills that are of utmost importance to teachers.  

I’m sure most new college graduates would agree with me when I say that although graduating college is an exciting time, there is an inevitable letdown awaiting those that return home.  While it was great to spend a few weeks with my family I deeply missed my college friends and girlfriend who was now six hours away.  Teaching in a critical needs school will be a tough task but I was surprisingly nervous about the social side effects of moving 20 hours away.  As expected, God has more than provided though with great new friends that even love to play volleyball and ultimate!

This week we start summer school and I’ll actually teach my first lesson on Wednesday.  It is kind of crazy to think - I've led a ministry that mentors juvenile delinquents but never anything close to teaching in a classroom! I’ll definitely have some disgusting pit stains from the nervousness but I am genuinely excited to practice in the classroom and am thrilled to be part of MTC.  Every afternoon we have class for two hours with Dr. Monroe along with numerous workshops and I already feel much more prepared to teach a crowded class of 7^th graders.   Keep posted and thanks for reading!

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