Name: Ayanna Robinson
Title: Match Associate Teacher
School: Match Community Day
Why do you want to be a teacher?
Teaching is honestly a passion I happened to stumbled into. I worked my first job as a camp instructor during my sophomore year of college. I had one of the best summers of my life teaching computer science to girls. I didn’t understand the entirety of my impact until the next summer when so many of the girls told me they returned to camp that summer because of me. Since then I’ve spent every summer teaching my girls and watching them grow.
At the same time, I was beginning to fully understand the privilege I had been given with my educational opportunities. My mom struggled to ensure I could attend the very best private schools and participate in the most interesting extracurriculars. Education was made to be fun for me almost every step of the way, and I developed an intense love of learning. As I grew up, I realized that my experience was a unique one, but it shouldn’t be. If more students had the same access to loving teachers that I had, perhaps they would be better equipped to finish the race towards a college degree or even become more confident in whatever career they decide to pursue. Teaching allows me to be the adult I needed when I was younger.
Compared to the start of the school year, how have you grown as a Match Associate Teacher (MAT)? How is teaching similar or different from what you imagined?
My class presence has improved exponentially. At the beginning of the year, I would get nervous whenever I had to teach in front of a class, but now I can do it at a moment’s notice. I think that I’ve also worked enough on my presence that I can command a room much more quickly than before, leaving more time for instructions and fun. Group of Six had us really dive deep and dissect the art of classroom management, so now I feel like I have the “cheat codes” to create harmony within my golden hour room.
Teaching is pretty similar to what I expected. This is the youngest group I’ve ever taught, so it’s been an adjustment, but in terms of teaching strategy and approach, it’s been exactly as I imagined it would be.
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Ayanna recently took over @MatchEducation’s Instagram to showcase a day-in-the-life of an elementary MAT - check it out here!
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What is your favorite part of the program?
The Residents of Color program within Sposato is definitely my favorite aspect. My mentor has worked on everything from planner design to stress management with me. I feel that navigating this year without her would have been impossible. She’s opened her classroom to me during the day to discuss any part of my experience that I’ve needed to, and she’s always ready with advice when I need her.
What has coaching been like? How has it impacted your experience as a student in the Sposato Graduate School of Education?
Coaching keeps me from thinking too much about my teaching performance because I know (at least this year) I’ll always have an unbiased viewer to give their take. Working with a coach has been a great learning experience and tool for me, as someone who tends to get in their head too much. Hearing my coach’s feedback on my lessons has helped me to strengthen some of my stronger areas and become more aware of my weaker areas.
For example, before coaching I wasn’t aware of how much time I wasted in my framing and transitions. I love thinking of coaching as my own personal instant replay.
Any advice for those who might be considering applying to become a Match Associate Teacher?
Invest in really solid relationships with your host teachers. The year is difficult but can be made so much simpler by forming strong bonds with the people on your team. My team genuinely wants to see me excel, and their support has gotten me through 100% of my bad days.
If you are interested in learning more about the MAT program and applying for the 2020-2021 school year, click here.
