Profile of the Month: Roseann Atkinson
Roseann Atkinson and Student
This month’s profile is of Roseann Atkinson, a member of the Mississippi Teacher Corps (MTC) Class of 2008 (MTC designates classes by year entered, not completed). You can read Roseann’s blog here.
Where are you from? Where did you go to school? Where and what do you teach?
I am from Long Island, NY. I went to school at Smith College and graduated in May of 2008. I teach 7th grade math in Greenville, MS.
Why did you join the Mississippi Teacher Corps?
I first learned about the Mississippi Teacher Corps in the fall of my senior year, through a flyer posted in the student center at my school. I have always been interested in community development and how I could personally contribute to the growth and progress of a community. At that time I was looking in to the Peace Corps and similar programs. The flyer caught my attention and I attended the seminar where two current participants shared their experiences and challenges the faced as a teacher in Mississippi. It was then I knew that I wanted to be in the Mississippi Teacher Corps. I wanted to make a difference in a community, to aid in a community’s educational growth.
What has been the greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge was realizing that you cannot save them all. I care for all my students and I want them to all succeed. It has been difficult for me to accept that, despite my best efforts and numerous interventions, not all of them will go to college, not all of them will graduate high school, and not all of them will even make it to high school. It saddens me because they all have so much potential but they are hesitant to put forth the effort because they are afraid of failure and/or rejection.
What has been the greatest reward?
My greatest reward is seeing my students growth throughout the year, both academically and socially. I teach 7th grade so most of the students I teach just came from the elementary school. They are new to the way middle school works and they are just finding themselves. I love showing students where they were at the beginning of the school year and where they are now, and how much they have accomplished. I really feel as if I have reached a lot of students and given them a better appreciation of math.
Why should someone not join the Mississippi Teacher Corps?
I’m not going to lie; teaching is hard. You not only have to find new and creative ways to teach your subject, but you have to be able to deal with many different personalities; both in the students and your co-workers. You cannot take things personally. You must be willing to give up some of your “free time” for school related things like: grading papers, going to mandatory meetings, school functions, school events, coaching, etc. I probably spend an average of 10 hours a day at school if not more (and I love it). Yes there are things you have to do that you may not like, but its a part of your job and you get it done.
Bottom line, you shouldn’t join the Mississippi Teacher Corps:
-If you cannot forgive and forget
-If you are too sensitive, and cannot stick up for yourself
-If you are just here to get a pay check
-If you don’t care about the students you teach
-If you cannot make a two-year commitment to the program
Why should someone join the Mississippi Teacher Corps?
Everyone has their own reasons for joining the Mississippi Teacher Corps (MTC). I cannot tell you any one attribute that would make you a perfect fit for MTC, because it would be misleading. You should join the Mississippi Teacher Corps if it feels right; if you think you can handle a fast pace, high-stress environment; if you can handle the pressure of teaching a state-tested subject. Ultimately, only you can decide whether whether the Mississippi Teacher Corps is for you. Just remember that it’s a huge commitment and there’s no bailing or quitting; you’re in this for the long haul.
How has the Mississippi Teacher Corps impacted your life?
I love teaching and I expect to stay in the education realm. Who knew I was going to be a teacher and like it? It has really opened my eyes to how much impact I have on these kids with just my presence and an interest in their success. I never thought of myself as a role model, but I now see that, for a lot of them, I am the only person they know who has actually completed college. I know that I am making a difference in and out of the classroom and I look forward to next year. Bring it on!