Each day I enter my classroom at Holly Springs High to see my awesome team teacher prepared and providing helpful feedback, or enter Guyton Annex for Dr. Monroe’s class, I realize how blessed I am to be in a program like MTC. It is soooo evident that the directors and staff of this program care about our success as teachers. They are working very hard, and pushing us to give nothing less than our best to ensure we have a great first day, and subsequent year!
One of the many tools being used to ensure our success is Delta Autumn. Delta Autumn, a guide written by MTC alumni, aims to steer first-year teachers through the unpredictable roller coaster of teaching in the Delta.
The first chapter of the book addresses the history of education in Mississippi. I am so thankful the authors saw the importance of covering the history, specifically in the Delta. The overview was essential in understanding the mindset of many individuals in Mississippi as it relates to education and segregation. Covering the history will allow me to view my students and teaching assignment through a more focused lens. Also, it is such a privilege to have access to Dr. Mullins, someone who was instrumental in leveling the playing field for students of color in the Delta.
The following 3 chapters were similar to The First Days of School in that several suggestions and pointers were given to help with the transition from summer training to your personal classroom in the fall- several first-year’s “do’s and don’ts,” administrative expectations, student expectations, surviving the first week, classroom management, crisis management, and community and parental involvement. The examples, lists, and transparency of the authors were very helpful and appreciated. It was also comforting to know that we will make mistakes, all the great teachers have, and THAT’S OK. Each day starts a new chance to get it right.
Chapter 4 discussed special needs students and offered strategies for ensuring special needs students are comfortable in your classroom. Often times, special needs students are labeled as “slow” or expected to have severe, noticeable disabilities. Contrary to popular belief, gifted, hearing impaired, and visually impaired students fall into this category.
Because of the lack of resources for special needs students in the state of Mississippi, teachers are expected to provide the necessary accommodations for these students, while maintaining a balance in their class so that all students will feel involved, challenged, and enlightened. This chapter provided several great tips that can be used for all students, not just students with unique needs. The book Skills for School Success was also recommended for teachers wanting to teach note-taking and studying skills to their students. I plan to purchase this book before the first day of school in the Fall.
The last few chapters of the book provided different sources for teaching materials, and subject-specific teaching strategies and recommendations. The importance of each subject was emphasized and, as I expected, many of the teaching methods and subjects overlapped.
After reading this book, I am more comfortable with my teaching assignment in the Delta. Also, I am more knowledgeable about the guaranteed challenges, potential pitfalls, and continuous support I will have as a first-year teacher in the Delta.
Overall: Definitely worth reading. Possible revision soon? Copyright 2001.
Delta Autumn...what a treat. I too enjoyed reading this book. Fortunately i was able to read it over my winter break before graduating and it made me eager to speed through my last semester at Millsaps to find my way to Oxford. Once i got to Oxford, did a few days of training and taught my first lesson, i said whoa, this teaching thing is something serious. Delta Autumn can really set the stage for new teachers coming into the state to teach in the Delta. Coming from the south Mississippi i had some knowledge about the history of things in the state. Furthermore, spending many of my childhood summers at Grandmaw's and Granddaddy's house was the best. As a child i knew nothing about the gap that existed in education. What i did know was they (my cousins) talked differently than me.i enjoyed you blog post and am anxiously awaiting more. Stay encouraged, be blessed and keep looking up, you'll be a great teacher in the Delta.
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