To The Class of '08...

I bequeath whatever energy I have left. You're going to need it. Lots of its. When I was a senior in college last year Ben told me that teaching in Mississippi would be the hardest thing that I've ever done in my life. I thought he was joking. I mean, I've survived life in a Nigerian dictatorship, shootouts in my hometown, the *worst* high school in New Jersey, and the most elitist, gag-inducing few square miles in the world...what could be so rough about Mississippi?

I had no idea...and you probably don't either, kiddies. If you're anything like me you think that the public service or activism that you've done on campus is pseudo-adequate preparation for what lies before you in MTC. Not at all. All of the mentor programs and after school programs and rallies and protests in the world can't prepare you for what lies ahead.

This isn't meant to scare you at all. You CAN succeed as a teacher (see my post from my first day of school). You CAN teach your students valuable information and life lessons that they will appreciate and grow from. You CAN learn quite a bit from your students that you did not know about yourself, about themselves, where they come from, and what people are going through in the 2008 in the wealthiest nation in the world.

However, it won't be easy.

Thus, if there's a list of ten things that I wish someone had told me before entering Teacher Corps (or maybe someone in Teacher Corps did tell me this before...eh) I would have to say that that advisory list would consist of:

1) As soon as you know your preps (the courses you'll be teaching during the school year), PLAN AHEAD.

How to write a lesson plan and whatnot will be taught in EDSE 500 your first summer but myriad templates exist online. Look at them. Practice writing/revising them. Seek feedback from someone capable and competent. Practice makes perfect.

2) When planning for the year and for units/sub-units, start with your major assessments (quizzes, tests, exams).

This will help drive your instruction, objectives, and lessons so that students learn--and are tested on--what's most important.

3) When planning ahead, know that everything--EVERYTHING--is subject to change.

Nothing is set in stone in our public schools so learning what you're teaching the week before/of school is not uncommon. Neither is being hired to teach one course and being given three. Hehehe....

4) Don't be afraid to ask any question as a first-year.

I know that at times there has been a bunch of stuff at my school that I should have known but simply didn't. For instance, my first day of school I didn't know what was appropriate to wear (overdress in these situations), what time school started (come early in these situations), or where the cafeteria was (confidently play it off and ask a capable-looking student to lead the line in these situations).

5) Everyone makes mistakes. Not everyone learns from them, however.

Make sure that your summer school experience and your first-year are growing experiences. Learn from your mistakes and learn from those of others. They may abound.

6) Make sure teaching is in your heart.

If you don't love the practice of infusing students with intellectually stimulating material and simultaneously sharpening and expanding their world view then it will be hard to get up many mornings. Especially if you're like me and you're coming off of sleeping til noon or so and lounging around all day during the twilight of your collegiate career.

7) Don't be an 8-3 teacher.

Live near your kids...preferably in the same town. It has its ups (running into your students in the supermarket, at the fast food restaurant, downtown, etc. and developing a positive rapport with them) and its downs ("Mr.Amutah, who was at YO house last night?!? I saw that car parked in front of yo' crib."). The ups far outweigh the downs, however. Come early/stay after school a little longer than normal if you can't live in the town. You'd be surprised how many kids might just want to come by and talk.

8) Do your coursework.

If you're anything like me, your Ole Miss classes can sometimes be an afterthought to the daily grind of teaching and being on your own in life for the first time. Still, remember that a major part of this MTC package is a full scholarship for a Master's Degree in Education. Get that Master's.

9) Find your release.

Teaching can be stressful (understatement of the year!) so make sure you have outlets to relieve stress. It would be best if these outlets are constructive (basket weaving) rather than destructive (meth addiction). Hey, whatever gets you through the day....

10) IT'S A CELEBRATION, B*TCHES!!!

So enjoy yourself. You're still young and adventurous so enjoy this wild ride. There's no time like the present and there's no place--NO place--like the 'Sip.

P.S.
Get a license and, preferably, vehicle. Before you get here. For REAL.