The MATCH Corps is our innovative, one-of-a-kind residential tutoring program that provides more than 300 hours of tutoring yearly to each student in our school. For more information, click here, or read an interview with a current MATCH Corps Tutor below.
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Straight From the Corps |
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Bryant Jones
Harvard University '05
English and American
Literature & Language
Middle School MATCH Corps 2008-09 |
What is your background?
I grew up in a small town in East Texas named Longview. I made my way up to the Northeast for college and stuck around afterwards to get a M.A. in Media Studies. After class and on the weekends, I tutored in a few college outreach programs (Upward Bound, Melrose METCO, etc.) and also helped students struggling on the MCAS. Helping those kids was so powerful for me that it ultimately pulled me away from my research and into the MATCH School.
How did you first hear about the MATCH Corps?
Idealist.org. I was looking for AmeriCorps programs in the area and MATCH stood out.
What made you decide to join the MATCH Corps?
MATCH was actually my last interview. I went into it fully expecting to accept a different position at Legal Services Clinic in Downtown Boston. But I was really impressed with everybody that I met at MATCH, and, more than anything, just hearing everybody gush about the MATCH community and the effect they were having on their kids' lives. It felt like I was signing up for much more than a job.
Can you describe your typical day?
Most days start early at about 6 AM. I roll out of bed, shower, and head to the school. A couple of days a week, I have blacktop duty at 7 AM, which involves four of us standing outside to greet the kids as they line up to enter the building.
After blacktop duty, I head inside at about 7:30 and quickly get my materials set for the day. Then, because I'm a Teacher’s Assistant (TA), I head to homeroom to do homework check.
The rest of the day goes by in a blur. 1st period is a prep period, so I usually spend that time answering e-mail, grading, or catching up on 6th grade gossip (So-and-so held hands with so-and-so yesterday, what?!?!). 2nd through 7th period, I tutor continuously with a few short breaks for lunch and recess.
Things slow down during the Enrichment period, which is after 7th period. TA's get that period off. Some days we have meetings with the teachers; others, we mostly get work done.
Afterwards is wrap-up. The TAs and teachers supervise the kids in their homerooms while they get ready to go home. A few days a week, after wrap-up is over, I have bus duty where I walk the kids out to their busses.
Even though it's 4:30 now, the day's not done. Some days we have meetings, but, most days, I stick around for an hour or so to take care of a few more school-related chores.
I head home at about 5:30 or 6:00. I eat dinner, watch a little TV, then make a few parent phone calls. My day is mostly over at that point. Afterwards, I goof off with my roommates or catch up with friends, then head to bed at around 11.
What is the hardest part of your day?
Wrap-up. It's not pretty: most of the kids are fired up to go home and ready to let out some of the crazy they've been holding back all day. It's a big test of your patience and creativity.
What do you find most rewarding about MATCH Corps?
The mentoring aspect of the job. Our kids are at the age where a positive adult can really change how they see the world, so they really crave guidance. It's awesome to play such a productive role in their lives.
Can you describe the atmosphere of the school?
It's intense. We expect a lot from the kids, and they demand a lot from us in return. The days go by quickly and a lot gets accomplished. At the same time, there's a lot of fun here too. When you walk through the halls, you're just as likely to see kids working diligently as you are to see funny faces, giggling (from adults and children alike), and spontaneous dancing.
What has been the biggest struggle you've faced this year?
Without a doubt, two of my students stand out. I've tried everything with them, but our progress is always fragile and reversible. Even more frustrating, is that they're both very bright and incredibly charming.
How would you characterize the student body?
There's a mix of academic skill levels and temperaments. Some of the kids are high achievers who are organized, even-keeled, and love to learn. Others are very good at getting in trouble and doing as little as they can to pass. All of them though are down for whatever to get a sticker. It's exactly the same mix of kids that I remember from my middle school.
What are your plans for next year?
I've applied to some public policy graduate programs and a few teaching programs. Eventually, I know that I want to end up doing the background stuff that makes innovative schools like MATCH possible. But, at the moment, I'm conflicted about whether I want to spend the next few years with the kids or behind a computer screen crunching numbers in Excel.
How has/does MATCH Corps prepare you for your future plans?
The AmeriCorps experience (2 days a week, as part of my position at MATCH, I tutor at other Boston Public Schools) has been the most useful. Going to other Boston schools has given me a broad perspective on urban education in Boston. It's been really helpful for me to think about how and why we do things differently from other schools. I feel like I'm getting a really good base of experience for dealing with big picture policy issues later on.
How does the MATCH School experience compare to your own high school experience?
My middle school experience was very different from the MATCH experience. It was more laid back. I don't remember being challenged very much academically, and I definitely got away with a lot more than our kids do.
What surprised you most about the MATCH School?
My co-workers. Things just get done around the MATCH School—it's eerie to watch some times. I've never been in an environment where everybody's been so driven.
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Past Interviews |
Bryant Jones Interview
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