Waxing Philosopic.

I had another day of panels after two days at the school. We met with Mr. Germain McConnell in the first, Mr. Richard Boyd in the second, and Mr. Austin Walker, Mr. Hunter Taylor, and Ms. Golda Sharpe, who are teachers who have recently graduated from the Mississippi Teachers Corps (MTC) in the last. This was not as intense as the days of panels back in Atlanta (panels from 8am to 9pm with dinner, lunch, and miscellaneous 15 minute breaks between) but was also eye opening.

The panel I enjoyed most was the teachers, of course. They spoke of the trials, tribulations, and joys of the program. It was kind of funny to me because I met two of the teachers before around the school. They graduated from the program but are still involved in different ways. Having a panel with people I interact with on the daily was more amusing then with people I had never actually met before. I found myself asking more abstract questions. Questions like "If you had to pick the one most important aspect in a person that creates a great teacher, what would it be?" Thought provoking questions without actual concrete objective answers.

I enjoyed waxing philosophic (it means talking philosophically, the term came to mind so I used it) about different methods of education, positively influencing kids, and life in general. There was of course different answers to the "most important aspect" question. However there was a common theme that one has to care. If the kids can tell that you dont give a damn, then they have no motivation to either. It somewhat had the feel of an open, philosophical discussion. I enjoyed it and I didnt really have more questions for them at the end of the session, I just wanted to see more of the MTC program.

Also I decided that Im going to hold back on specifics on the actual summer school and the goings on there as of now, because I currently spend most of my time behind the scenes helping things to run smoothly. I have yet to sit in on enough classes and clubs to fairly evaluate the situation. Im settling down into the specifics of my position and beginning to figure time to get into every aspect of the school, so it would not be fair to me or my readers (if they exist) to voice opinions I know are going to change very soon. Basically the MTC internship has me waxing philosophic in general. Theres going to be a lot of school information in next weeks blogs, however. Also cinnamon raisin bread was made (see post #1), time for a more difficult goal.... Banana nut bread.