Refelction on the Boys and Girls Club-Oxford

I'm not sure that anyone is ever really prepared to work with kids for nine hours a day, five days a week. And I don't think anyone really knows what to expect. I know that I was not prepared, and the way this summer went was not the way I expected it would go. For starters I thought that as Vistas we would be spending more time working on a reading program for the Boys and Girls club. I did not expect to have about 30 8-9 year girls to myself in the afternoons every day. But since the Club received a grant that would get them a reading program starting in the fall we weren't needed to work on that. Everyday it was my job to keep the girls entertained and busy. we would go on walks, go to the park, play games, and my personal favorite arts and crafts. These girls could probably spend all day in the Art room if we let them. Well that and dancing. All they wanted was some speakers and an Ipod, and they were set for the day. All summer they would work on their dance routines for the Talent Show that is held on the last day of the summer program. Watching them practice, make up their dances, and change their songs every day was quite entertaining. They were having fun, which was great to see. They loved it too when the staff would come in and start dancing the Cha Cha with them. But it wasn't all fun and games.
I definitely struggled with trying to gain respect from the girls, and just trying to work with them. Even though I had worked with some of them during the school year, I struggled trying take charge. I admit that the first two weeks were brutal, and I had gone home crying and venting to my friends. Because I just couldn't understand why it was so hard for me to just get them to listen to me! There were defiantly days where all I wanted to do was give up, but I knew I couldn't, because I gave my word to be there, and well I am just too stubborn to give up. Besides what would that have shown the girls? It would have made it seem like I didn't care to be there or care about them. And I think it was important for us to be there everyday, the kids all noticed if someone didn't show up at the club. Over time I could tell I was able to gain respect from the girls, and we were able to work together, of course there were the few that would test you, and try to cause trouble, but the biggest thing for me to remember was that they were just kids. This summer was a challenge for me, physically, mentally and emotionally. But I feel like I learned a lot, especially about myself. I had to learn on being patient, and just learning to not let the little things get to me. Working with kids isn't easy, but I know I could do it, and that whenever I do I will constantly be using what I learn while working with them.
At the end of the day though, no matter how hard, there was always at least one girl that would come up and give me a hug. They were just kids, and no matter how "mean" they may say that you are, they still just want someone to care and give them a hug, And I feel that not just me, but all of us Vistas at the Club showed these kids that we do care, and that we are there for them.
-Amber Scullion

Mississippi Teacher Corps: Holly Springs, MS

Tell us about your experiences at your placement site so far. Where are you placed, and what kind of projects have you been working on? Has your experience been what you expected it would be? Why or why not? What have been some of your challenges so far? What have you been enjoying most about your site?



There is no way I could have imagined a better way to finish my six-year stay in Mississippi. VISTA placed me in Holly Springs, the site of the Mississippi Teacher Corps' "Extended Summer Training Program". Basically, MTC provides students in the area with a chance to attend summer school either for credit recovery or enrichment, all the while 1st year MTC teachers get an opportunity to teach for the first time prior to the beginning of the fall semester. The idea itself is pretty straightforward - teach students while training teachers - but the reality of putting on a program like this requires so much from the teachers and administrators involved. 

As a VISTA Summer Associate, MTC created a few projects for me to work on over the course of the program. Teachers needed a place online where they could upload subject materials, worksheets, and games for younger, less experienced teachers to use in their classes. I created a Dropbox account with folders for different subjects and materials so teachers including MTC alumni could contribute resources. Our hope is that 1st Year Teachers today will become great future materials contributors for their younger peers.

The greatest portion of my work was devoted to filming and photographing lessons and role-plays. By filming full-length classes, the videos could be used to demonstrate examples of quality teaching and classroom management to younger teachers. All of the teachers generously allowed me to film and photograph their classes, even with little or no prior notice. So right before class began I would set up my laptop in a strategic location so that the perspective on the class was broad and captured as much as possible, and also so that students weren't conscious of the class being filmed. Then I would sit and take pictures of everything that went on in the classroom, teaching, student behavior, activities, etc. It helped me get to know who the students were, which turned out to be important in the office. Apart from my three bigger projects, there were little things around the summer school office that needed help from time to time such as writing detentions, answering the phone, running errands to classes. 

Overall the work was constant and required lots of organization, but in truth it hardly felt like actual work because the environment, albeit stressful and serious at times, was so enjoyable. The people that constitute the Mississippi Teacher Corps are truly inspirational and beyond dedicated to the cause at hand. The summer school training program by itself is an interesting and often difficult thing to observe. The 1st Year Teachers come in with so much optimism and energy, and within two weeks time it seems as though everyone has been broken down in some way or another. Fatigue and vulnerability show up as these characters that seem like they will never leave. Even the most organized, diligent teachers who tried to be on top of things were reduced to tears with frequency....And yet, at the end of the summer, they are ready (at least as ready as possible) to take on their own class in the fall. Every day is viewed as a blank state. I actually heard one teacher explaining to her student that every class period itself was a blank slate. A new chance to change behavior, participate more, follow instructions. I deeply admire all of the new teachers and cannot wait to hear about their experiences this upcoming fall. 

Apart from work, the folks at MTC also love to go hang out, eat good food, and play sand volleyball. As stressful as school could be, there were lots of opportunities to "get away from it all" so to speak and get to know everyone. Bus rides to and from Holly Springs weren't just for the much-needed nap, they were a great way to learn more about the incoming MTC class. The incoming class comes from all over the U.S. and all of them have degrees in something other than teaching. They are intelligent, funny, and hard-working. The Team Teachers are seasoned veterans of the program who have been invited to come back and help oversee the First Years. They were all so wonderful and dedicated, not to mention they have great stories from their teaching experiences. 

Was my experience as a summer associate what I thought it would be? Not even close. I knew it was worth applying for, but I didn't know at the time how it would break my heart in certain places both for the students and for the teachers. I knew it would be challenging, but I wasn't sure exactly in what way. It will be impossible for me to ever think about education the same way again having been privileged enough to observe this group as they prepare to teach in critical-needs areas. It was challenging because you meet these young teachers that hold themselves to such high standards and they are striving to balance professionalism, sensitivity, authority, and mercy, all the while ensuring that students have the best possible chance at learning and thriving in their classroom. And then you get glimpses into the home lives of students and parents once school is over at noon, and it sheds light on why a student struggles to stay awake or frequently acts out in class. So much is occurring below the surface in a classroom with young kids and adolescents. Experienced teachers frequently spoke about developing "teacher eyes", "teacher ears", "your 6th sense", in order to detect and hone in on things as simple as note-passing to more delicate issues like student emotions. It is an exhausting profession, one I have so much more respect for having had this position.

I have loved my time in Mississippi so much, and to finish by watching and learning from people preparing to dedicate the next few years of their lives to improving education in public schools here...perhaps that is why it has taken me so long to post, I have struggled to verbalize how meaningful it was and how much I will miss this state and its people and those who serve it. Many thanks to Sharon Levine at VISTA and Aaron Johnson, MTC's  Program Manager for this opportunity. I highly recommend the VISTA Summer Associate program to those looking for a meaningful, short-term summer experience. 

"To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi". - William Faulkner

Summer at Batesville Intermediate School

My experience this summer has been one of a kind. It has truly brought about some changes and outlooks on my present state and future plans. Working in Batesville, MS has really enhanced my learning, physical, and mental capabilities. This was my first time to serve outside of the Lafayette community. Through this experience I have gained some great connections and met some wonderful people who have been very influential.

A day at Batesville Intermediate begins with a 30 minute commute to Batesville, MS. Each week we were assigned to drive. We carpooled, which was the best idea I believe we could have come up with.  The two summer associates that have been working with me, Anna Terry and CaMesha Lenard have been a tremendous help. I don’t think we could have completed our daily tasks at the school without one another.  We found ways to work together to achieve a common goal which was to make sure the BIS teachers and principals were prepared for the upcoming school year.

From day to day, our duties changed. Some days we were moving teachers from one classroom to the next. It took approximately two weeks for us to completely finish moving teachers from different grade levels and into their classrooms. We also painted doors, shelves, cleaned rooms, prepared the outside marquis, rearranged classroom settings, delivered books, and classroom study materials, checkout/lunch forms, laminated some fundamental materials teachers used in their classrooms, and helped teachers organize their rooms, along with many other activities. The majority of our service this summer was direct service. Although, we were not aware of what were getting ourselves into, we completely adjusted to the type of work that was presented to us.

We could not have done our tasks efficiently without some important people. We worked primarily with Patrick Patterson, a staff member at BIS to make sure the job was done right and in a timely fashion. We were never rushed and had the opportunity to set our own pace. Working with him was an experience that shall never be forgotten. Tina Houston, the Bookkeeper kept us laughing, which was extremely motivational for us. This kept us from having “dull or boring” moments. She was truly a trip and a fun person to see as we entered the office every morning to check in. Ms. Lashunda Hamilton, the assistant principal, who has since become the principal, has a very welcoming spirit about her. She is very sweet and extremely intelligent. Working with her primarily the last few weeks of our service made it a breeze and a joyous experience as well.

The new assistant principal took us out for lunch our last day of service as a thank you for all of our hard work. It was very unexpected and we were very grateful for the act of kindness. Our conversation during lunch was very educational and enlightening. Ms. Hemphill, a 3^rd grade teacher, who we also helped reorganize her classroom, took us out for lunch as well, to show her appreciation. She was very insightful and very laid back. I’m sure that her kids love her teaching style because she has such a kind heart and one who wants to see all students succeed. She shows it in her teaching capabilities and in her lifestyle.

I believe what made our experience such an educational and fun summer of service, was working alongside a great staff and administrative team. My 2012 summer experience has been one of a kind. I will cherish it and take all that I have learned and put it into action. I believe my fellow associates would definitely agree!