Summer Lovin!

I can't believe this summer is almost over. It seems like just yesterday when I was moving in on a rainy Memorial Day weekend. As I look back upon the last two months, I see highs and I see lows. I have a feeling deep in the corner of my heart that this may be the best thing I've done yet. Sounds cheesy, I know. I am so excited to get in my classroom in front of my students and show them how amazing and wondrous the world of science is. Yeah, you English majors laugh and you Philosophy majors are probably still trying to decide if science exists or not, but my canvas is a classroom full of young minds, and I am entrusted with the power to shape them into masterpieces. It's an exciting, yet intimidating, reality.

Before I joined the MTC, I thought I had a profound respect for teachers. My mother is a teacher, and not just any teacher, but a first grade teacher. I still think that a first grade teacher is the most important teacher throughout a child's education. My mom is my hero for taking on such a completely amazing role. However, while I had that profound respect for teachers, I don't think it really meant that much because I never took the time to realize how challenging it is to shape young minds. This summer, I experienced, first hand, the difficulties of teaching, and now, my respect for teachers has grown to a whole new level. What an awesome responsibility.

While teaching in summer school seemed rushed and disorganized, I learned that high expectations really can motivate a student. I also learned that classroom management needs to begin on the first day or anarchy will result. While teaching in front of my peers taught me how important each component of the lesson really is, I also learned how frustrating being a teacher can be because nothing seemed sure or consistent. Because of this experience, I will work relentlessly to create a consistent classroom with consistent discipline and consistent procedures. In Ms. Monroe's class, I learned...well...everything that I know about teaching.

I now realize that teaching is probably one of the most challenging services one can provide. While this may be the case, I know that teaching in Mississippi will prepare me better than any other job for future endeavors. What mountain won't I be able to climb after this trip?

God Bless and best wishes for a fantastic and rewarding year guys!

Matt