More Than a Job: MTC Second-Years Reflect on Their Journeys (Demetria Walker)
1. What drew you to join the Mississippi Teacher Corps?
Cohort-Based! I liked the idea of people actually knowing my name rather than my professor knowing me as #98. I also loved the delivery and how the plan was laid out. Being able to still work and go to school was awesome to me. It did not give me a sense of being overwhelmed.
2. What was your initial summer like?
Compelling would be a solid word for me. It was definitely restless as well. Many nights of “perfecting” plans and submitting this assignment was mentally draining. On top of that I was still going to work at CFA as I still do now. However; I would not trade it for anything! It was super informative and eye-opening to the world of education!
3. What about your first year of teaching?
Interesting would be my way of describing it. The back and forth of hybrid, and virtual learning was a complex challenge. Yet, I believe having that training of being nothing but virtual that summer aided me a bunch as we were going through those transitions. I learned so much! Though this was a school I went to; the “teacher-side” gives you a new perspective. I cannot imagine if I were placed somewhere else. I believe I was meant to be at Meridian.
4. How has your second year of teaching been compared to the first year? Describe your experiences.
I am definitely not as “uptight” as I was. The level of comfortability in my classroom has skyrocketed. My presence alone is enough for control in my classroom now. I realized most of these students practically see us as their second set of parents. When you think about it; we are seeing them for ⅓ of their day if not longer. Of course they may slip up and call us “Mama” or “ma”. Once I came to that realization; I started talking to them and treating them as a mother would. I’ve almost got “the look” down. Students will say “excuse me” or “I’m sorry” before I even say a word because at this point they know better. Now; they know I expect better from them.
5. What have you learned about your kids, their families, and the community since joining MTC?
-Kids are going to be kids. They are not going to be exactly who they were yesterday, a week ago, or the very first day you meet them. They change often and it is not a bad thing. As with just about everyone and everything they go through evolution of emotions, physical change, mental changes, etc.
-Student’s families are a sensitive topic. I recognize that they are not always the ‘best” or considered to be the “model” family. However, a good amount of these adults are TRYING. I have recognized though; that there are some that are the complete opposite. I hate hearing I stayed up until two in the morning taking care of my siblings. Not thinking of the consequences of you not getting the lesson for today because you are sleep deprived. Overall, families are divergent in many aspects.
-The community of Meridian is supportive in some ways. Yet in others; the community is deteriorating Meridian as a whole. For example, the gun violence, robberies, etc. would easily turn a family away from being around Meridian High School. Supportive community members may be financial or actual presence. Seeing a successful community member that may have come from Meridian High is definitely motivation for current students and future students of Meridian High School.
6. What do you wish more people knew about the teaching profession, your school district, and/or your students and their families?
Teaching Profession: it is challenging, yet rewarding. Do not think of what you see in movies or TV when you think of the modern day classroom.
Know that the school district is full of qualified individuals however; the decisions they make may or may not agree with you. However, they do believe they are working for the best interests of the students.
Students/Families: Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree” Students act like what they see. Be sure to be an example everywhere you go.
7. Reflecting on the last two years, what are you most proud of?
I am proud of my Growth! I grew so much during this program; I am in my ‘prime” as older people say. So, I learned how to do and how to resolve so many different things from this program. I established lifelong bonds with people whose families I have never seen. I put myself in a new light and I am so glad that I did because ultimately it worked out for the best.