Amadou Seck coaches MUN at Noble and Greenough school in Dedham, Massachusetts. Ian Tiedemann runs a delegation at Greenwich High School in Greenwich, Connecticut. Best Delegate sat down with both to ask them about their experiences at the MUN Institute and how it’s impacted their coaching.
What did your week at the Advisor Institute consist of, and what do you feel you learned from these activities?
Amadou: I spent a week learning about all aspects of Model UN. After an exhaustive overview of what the program entails, we actually did a simulation with country and committee assignments, including research, position papers, first speech and committee work, etc. For 1 week, we were delegates, and we experienced a Model UN conference ourselves. Being in our students shoes was a great perspective, and it prepares us well in better ways to support out students.
Ian: My week at the MUN institute taught about the UN, process of Model UN committee, types of conferences, and insight into how to run a program.
What sparked your interest in attending the Advisor Institute?
Amadou: Needing to be more equipped to assist my students and strengthen the program at my school.
Ian: I had done Model UN for about 1-2 years at that point, but I wasn’t yet all that knowledgeable about the committee experience and language, and I wanted to have a better grasp on drills I could run in my club sessions to help students improve at the many facets of Model UN.
How do you see the Advisor Institute benefiting you and your club moving forward?
Amadou: In addition to the website, I have access to the vault and various resources regarding all aspects of the program. These will continue to be my references in leading the program at my school.
Ian: We have incorporated my many lessons from the MUN institute and I believe our club has improved as a result. We have even hosted our own conferences at the school to build the skills of new members, while also giving greater chair insights to club leaders.
Would you recommend attending the Advisor Institute to other teachers/advisors? If so, why?
Amadou: I actually already recommended the AI to one of my colleagues who attended last year and is working with me advising the program at my school. Yes, I would definitely advise attending the AI for its value.
Ian: I would absolutely recommend this experience to another teacher!