Two years ago, I accepted an offer to be a corps members in the 2015 class of the Mississippi Teacher Corps. I had never been to Mississippi, I had never taught, and I was just 6 months out of undergrad. Somehow, I was brave enough to accept the spot and I am overwhelmingly grateful that I did.
Teaching is difficult, but loving children is easy.
I have learned the basics of teaching by throwing myself into the daily experience of a novice teacher. The act of falling in love with my students was the easy part.
If there is one word to describe my experience, I would use grateful. I am grateful to Dr. Mullins for creating such a special program and for inviting me to play my small part in it. I am grateful to the fellow members of my class who have pushed my thinking. I am grateful to the incredible friends I have made in MTC who have kept me laughing since day 1 of summer school. I am grateful to Derek King, and every teacher at North Panola Junior High School that has either modeled the kind of teacher I want to be, or has actually sat down to offer me advice and guidance. I am grateful to my family who has offered me encouragement every time I have called home after a tough day at school.
Most importantly, however, I want to thank the students at North Panola Junior High School. The students have taught me the most important lessons of my life. I think the world of them, and really can't remember what I spent my time thinking about pre-MTC. These days, my thoughts are always on them, their wellbeing, and their learning.
This portfolio is my attempt to bring my MTC experience to life. For those of you who have taught before, you understand that the experiences of a teacher cannot be adequately expressed.
This is my attempt to try.
With this, I encourage you to look through the pages of my portfolio. I hope that this project enables you to in someway imagine what the past two years of my life have looked and felt like.
Join me in my pursuit of becoming Powerful Beyond Measure.
Teaching is difficult, but loving children is easy.
I have learned the basics of teaching by throwing myself into the daily experience of a novice teacher. The act of falling in love with my students was the easy part.
If there is one word to describe my experience, I would use grateful. I am grateful to Dr. Mullins for creating such a special program and for inviting me to play my small part in it. I am grateful to the fellow members of my class who have pushed my thinking. I am grateful to the incredible friends I have made in MTC who have kept me laughing since day 1 of summer school. I am grateful to Derek King, and every teacher at North Panola Junior High School that has either modeled the kind of teacher I want to be, or has actually sat down to offer me advice and guidance. I am grateful to my family who has offered me encouragement every time I have called home after a tough day at school.
Most importantly, however, I want to thank the students at North Panola Junior High School. The students have taught me the most important lessons of my life. I think the world of them, and really can't remember what I spent my time thinking about pre-MTC. These days, my thoughts are always on them, their wellbeing, and their learning.
This portfolio is my attempt to bring my MTC experience to life. For those of you who have taught before, you understand that the experiences of a teacher cannot be adequately expressed.
This is my attempt to try.
With this, I encourage you to look through the pages of my portfolio. I hope that this project enables you to in someway imagine what the past two years of my life have looked and felt like.
Join me in my pursuit of becoming Powerful Beyond Measure.