While many professors view graduate assistants as cheap labor, Jerry sincerely believes we are his colleagues, and he treats us in a like manner. We, as a staff, continue to develop and be successful because of Jerry's leadership and the collaborative relationships that exist among members. Each person at MLLC feels responsible for the growth of other members and we continue to push each other and ourselves toward a better understanding of school improvement and educational leadership. For starters, you can expect to work hard and be mentally challenged. You can only get out of this job what you put in to it, and Jerry expects you to learn a lot.
School improvement is a full time job.
This mindset, and the empowered responsibility that comes with it, allows us to be flexible with our time and still know that everyone will do their part in making our team successful. You will probably take a major pay cut in coming back to school, but the benefits of the job will more than make up for the low salary. Your tuition will be paid for, a moderate paycheck will come once a month, and scholarships are available to help with other needs. As good as my coursework has been, I have learned more from this job than any class or professor could ever have taught me. In addition, working at MLLC has provided me the opportunity to work closely with other graduate assistants who are equally dedicated to their own professional growth and to helping schools around the region.