MSU hosts Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program scholars for annual METP Residential Institute
Contact: Bethany Shipp
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program scholars recently engaged in dynamic hands-on activities and lectures at Mississippi State as part of the annual METP Residential Institute.
Housed in the university’s College of Education, METP is a collaborative endeavor with the University of Mississippi. The weeklong institute provides rising junior METP scholars with an intensive look at education practices and policies and includes two and a half days at MSU and two and a half days at UM.
One of the highlights of this year’s institute at MSU was a drum circle led by Robert Damm, professor of world music and director of music education partnerships at MSU. Leading the scholars through various rhythms, he demonstrated how they can incorporate music into their own classrooms. He also shared insight from his experiences abroad and how the power of music can make a world of difference.
“Music helps us forget the regrets of yesterday and the anxieties of tomorrow and instead focus on the joy and peace it brings us in that moment,” Damm said. “That’s the power of music.”
Dylan Hall, a senior music education major and METP scholar, assisted Damm with the drum circle and shared about his experience teaching music to children in Rwanda. He encouraged his fellow scholars to take advantage of global opportunities and reminded them that “you don’t have to be a professional musician to incorporate music in your classroom.”
Over the course of the institute at MSU, the scholars also gained practical insights about mental health from Anneliese Stroup, a licensed professional counselor and owner of iHope Counseling & Consulting. Jonathan Smith with Project Learning Tree led a hands-on environmental education workshop to train educators on how to use nationally acclaimed K-8 forestry curricula and promote nature-based classroom learning.
Finally, the scholars visited Grenada Elementary’s Kidzeum, the first school-based children’s museum in the United States. Established in 1995, it provides students with unique, hands-on learning experiences through interactive exhibits, storytelling and technology.
“This was an incredibly meaningful and enriching week for our students from MSU and Ole Miss,” said Dena Nobles, a project manager of MSU’s METP. “They gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by students experiencing poverty through interactive simulations and guest speakers. They also explored strategies they can implement in the classroom to better support and empower these students.”
MSU’s College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at www.educ.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.