advice to first years

Before you get to Mississippi

1) Rest and recharge:  Summer school moves quickly and a lot gets thrown at you in the first two months.  If possible, take some sort of vacation or senior trip before you get to Oxford.  If you only have only a day or two between graduation and the first day of summer school classes, don’t rush or get stressed out.  Take your time and enjoy your transition.
2) Don’t read Savage Inequalities:  All of the dysfunctions of America’s public school system will be painfully clear in a few short months.  Instead, pick up some books that go over the nuts and bolts of being a teacher:  classroom management, professional work attire, setting up your classroom, managing paperwork, etc.
3)      Talk to as many people who are involved in education as possible:  This includes friends in two-year teaching programs, life-long teachers, principals, coaches.  These people have valuable nuggets that will help you immensely

During Summer School

1)      Observe your classmates in the largest classes:  Most of the Holly Springs summer school classes have fewer than ten students.  This will in no way, shape or form be similar to what you will experience in the fall.  Watch your friends who have the big classes (usually English or middle school math), and see what goes right, and, inevitably, what goes wrong.
2)      Go shopping for teacher clothes:  You want to be as plain and mundane as possible while still maintaining an edge of professionalism.  If the kids can ignore what you are wearing, than you are doing a good job.  Wal-mart or Target are generally good places to go.  Fellas, buy an iron.
3)      Watch movies about high school:  Once you’ve gotten a crash course on classroom management, introductory sets, and differentiated instruction, go back and watch movies like Cooley High, Fast Times, Lean on Me, Mr. Holland’s Opus, etc.  What are the teacher’s doing horribly wrong that would get them an F in Dr. Monroe’s class?

 During the Fall

1)      Get a gym membership:  The YMCA in the Delta will give you a discount if you are Teach for America.  The Y in Jackson has a student discount if you can produce a Mississippi college ID.  Staying healthy will help you keep your sanity.
2)      Don’t over commit your first quarter:  Unless you have to coach a fall sport, try to keep your load light the first nine-weeks.  Use this period to establish a routine and feel out the school politics.
3) Learn the key players in your building:  Obviously there’s the chain of command with your administrators, but you should also be aware which teacher’s (and students) have clout.  Some of your colleagues can get away with murder, and will get a slap on the wrist (at most).  Some students can consistently avoid major punishment because of the sport they play or who their parents are.  Don’t step on the wrong toes.