More Than a Job: MTC Second-Years Reflect on Their Journeys (Jasmine Habersham)

1. What drew you to join the Mississippi Teacher Corps?

As a child I was always involved in different community endeavors with my parents. Being exposed to the different areas of service gave me leadership skills and drive to be a helping hand to other people. As I grew older I began volunteering with many different organizations and as a youth I began to teach and assist my peers in the arts. Early on I saw how other kids excitedly responded to the things I showed them and their eagerness to know more. At that moment my passion for youth amplified. I began to explore that path and obtained a degree in social work. I then became a life coach working with foster care youth and young adults in the South Florida area. During this opportunity I prepared the teenagers and young adults for adulthood by helping them attain goals and achieve milestones such as enrolling in college. Eventually I decided to sacrifice stability and substantial income to be able to do what I know I am purposed to be doing. I became an educational assistant at a charter school in a high needs area. As I began in the education field I was able to see the impact educators made on students. I saw how learning opens many doors for students in many aspects of their lives. This led me to wanting to become an educator to make a greater impact on students, therefore leading me to MTC.

2. What was your initial summer like?

My initial summer in the program was intense but extremely helpful to my educational career. During the first summer I was able to build a foundation that has equipped me with the tools needed for longevity in this field. The summer taught me the basics of deciphering standards  and creating lessons aligned to them. There was also character development that took place. Skills such as; agility, patience, creativity and collaboration were further fostered as a result of summer school. 

3. What about your first year of teaching?

My first year teaching was exciting and invigorating and I loved the thrill. This was a year of ultimate uncertainty due to many factors such as the global pandemic. This was the year that really instilled in me the ability to adapt to most situations. This was extremely helpful because it showed me how to prepare for the unknown and react with calmness. I also explored my approach to teaching. I learned what worked for me and also what worked for the students that I served. The groundwork for my teaching profession was built this year and has helped me to continue to grow. 

4. How has your second year of teaching been compared to the first year? Describe your experiences.

During year one a solid foundation was set. I had the basics of content and how to present content to my students. Since this is my second year I am way more competent in my content, how to teach it and what is effective in allowing students to gain mastery. Not only am I a teacher of students I am also a teacher of teachers of my subject. I believe that this year I am able to grow further in instructional techniques and strategies. 

5. What have you learned about your kids, their families, and the community since joining MTC?

I have a unique set of kids with a unique set of skills. I’ve learned that many of them crave genuine lasting connection. They want to be appreciated and feel like they are successful at something. Their families love them and work hard to maintain their wellbeing. The dynamics of the community are very polarized and the school community does not receive much support from the community at large. 

6. What do you wish more people knew about the teaching profession, your school district, and/or your students and their families? 

I wish people truly understood the effort and dedication teachers put into their craft. I would like other people to understand the intent that we have for students' future and success and the genuine care we have for our students. I also would like others to know that the school district is emerging. From my perspective they are searching for methods and practices that are effective and have not yet found what will reach most of our students. I love my students and I want everyone to know that they all are different individuals coming from different walks of life. They have many experiences that have shaped who they are. They are valuable individuals capable of anything they want in life, they are loved, and they are enough.

7. Reflecting on the last two years, what are you most proud of? 

I think I am most proud of the overall transformation that is taking place in my life. This program has shown me many areas of growth that I needed and as I continue to progress in my school and the program I am constantly adjusting and making improvements to my character, my craft, and my career. I am proud of the insight that I have gained and that I am able to share with others. I look forward to the continual journey of growth that will take place.