Dear First Years,
I hope you are all excited to make Mississippi your state of residence for the next few years. Reflecting back on the short time between college graduation and making the drive down from Philadelphia to Oxford I remember this is the time where the Mississippi Teacher Corps filled me more with anxiety than excitement. There are so many questions you are probably asking yourself and thinking whether you have what it takes to teach in a critical needs school. The good news is this – just come down to Oxford ready to work hard and grow as a person and as a teacher. I rested in having that attitude and its served me well. This past year has certainly been by far the most difficult of my life and there have definitely been times where I didn’t feel like I could teach another day and other times where I’ve felt isolated from reality but I’ve gotten through it and grown an incredible amount.
When I first came to Oxford I had actually had never cooked a meal for myself. The result was eating peanut butter and jelly for the first week. With only six days of school left I ate Chicken Parmesan last night that I cooked for myself! In the same way you’ll likely grow more than you ever have before in your life although the growth will come through difficult times and trials. I am excited to meet you though and am confident that this program is among the best in the country in terms of preparing first year teachers to succeed in critical needs school.
If I can’t offer you any encouragement or wise words, think about this. Moses was selected by God to lead the Israelites but Moses lacked confidence and questioned God’s choice. God replied
“Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:11)
At the times this year I’ve certainly felt as though I couldn’t possibly lead a classroom of 24 7th graders but every time God has been there right there and given me the strength to get through the day. By this point in the year I am shocked and amazed at how much I’ve grown as a teacher and how much my faith has grown. I can only encourage you in the same way to come to Mississippi ready for an incredible challenge and ready to work your tail off. Can’t wait to meet you!
Bill
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