Opportunities of a Lifetime (Week 7)

Blue and Gold everywhere.

Students engaged in conversation regarding what the theme for each day of FFA week will be. Whether it's blue and gold day, battle of the brands, official dress, or flannel Friday. 

FFA week has always been something that I've been incredibly passionate about. I mean, HELLO- school spirit/ club spirit has always kind of been my thing! 

When I was an FFA member in high school, the only time that I ever saw the state officers was at state convention in June, and the only time that I saw National FFA officers was when I was in Kentucky for National FFA Convention. 

This week, I was able to get the opportunity of a lifetime to meet a National FFA officer, and interact with State FFA officers. Seeing the work that both of these incredibly special young men and women were able to do in the classroom promoting agriculture and agricultural education was phenomenal and gave me a new found love for this organization. 

I hope that the students who were able to participate in the workshops by the National FFA Officer and State FFA Officers saw the impact the FFA can make in their lives and that it truly is not just plows, sows, and cows, but so much more about teamwork and leadership. 

Questions that I have: 

1. How do you discuss respect and expectations after a visitor has left? (Students were reminded of the expectations prior to the visit) 

2. What suggestions do you have for facilitating and managing a classroom when a visitor is in the room?

3. How do you assure that you are not "stepping on toes" when a visitor is in the room and you recognize that the class may have started to check out?

Jack of All Trades (Week 6)

This week- was crazy and I found myself wearing many different hats. But to start, this was my week:

Monday- Snow Day 

Tuesday- Snow Day 

Wednesday- Full Day

Thursday- Full Day

Friday- Full Day for students, I got to catch up with my cohort! 

Snow days. 

This past week, I was on the hate end of that love hate relationship. I planned so hard for the entire week, expecting to be in school for 4 full days. My dreams were crushed when I awoke on Monday morning to a snow day text message, and another one on Tuesday. So, how did I overcome and become flexible? 

Well, I rearranged some lessons, consolidated some activities, and all was well. 

Teacher/Volunteer: 
Wednesday we were back in the classroom and I only had two days with my students. In these two days, I knew that I needed to get a lot done. Both content wise and just in general. We ended up losing a little bit more time because I chose to volunteer my time and my students time to help Mrs. Cashell-Martin with the Valentine's Day Rose Sale. Roses, filler flower, and greenery still needed to be boxed and labeled for customers to pick up on Wednesday and Thursday.





















Fundraiser:
In addition to the classwork that needed to be completed, I was also in charge of the strawberry sale fundraiser that our members were participating in. Those forms were due on Friday, however, we still have some rolling in. 

Teacher: 
Thursday,  my students were really engaged and excited for the lessons. I was able to get my Power Mechanics students out into the shop doing some hands on projects with concrete. My introduction to Ag students were excited to have a special visitor to help them review the content that we have covered thus far. (Taylor, my ex service dog in training)

What I've learned throughout this week: 

-Agriculture Educators truly are a jack of all trades, between fundraisers, classwork, FFA meetings, etc., this job is NOT a 9-5 and quite frankly, I'm okay with that!

-Students need reminders. Although you have told them multiple times when the fundraiser paper is due, they need a reminder at least two days back to back prior to the form being due. 

-Flexibility is key, it will keep you from going insane 

-Remember who needs to work hard planning (you, as the Ag. Educator) and who needs to work just as hard in the classroom (your students)

-You need to know more than just scratching the surface on content (one day ahead of your students)

Questions that I have: 

-How can I increase content knowledge? I have begun reading the textbooks and really doing research, but is there a better way to gain content knowledge?

-As I prepare to pick up my 4th of 5 classes during this experience, what are some organizational strategies that I could use to keep the classes content separate in my mind? How do I remember what content I'm teaching to what class and how do I quickly transition my brain to the next class period? 

-Domestic animals (dogs) in the classroom- how do you handle this situation? (I brought my dog in to review pet ownership and basic grooming) What are some strategies to limit the distraction that a live animal may bring into the classroom?

Stay tuned for all the craziness that is National FFA Week!

Snow Days- A blessing and a curse (Week 6)

When I was in high school, I saw snow days as a blessing. I got to sleep in and catch up on homework that I most likely didn't finish (procrastination at its finest). As an upcoming teacher, I'm finding that snow days can be a blessing and a curse at the same time.

Blessings:
More time for planning, polishing lessons for the rest of the week
Starting to plan lessons for the next week
Running errands and gathering supplies that I may have otherwise had to stop before heading into school to get

Curse:
Entire week is thrown off
Jam packed week already turns into an even more jam packed week when you lose not just one but TWO days to snow/ice
Materials that you may have needed on Monday night are now stuck at school until Wednesday morning

The biggest curse:
Strawberry sale orders were due by students on Friday, February 8. I have only received 4 or 5 order forms. We handed out way more than 4 or 5 order forms to members. Even bigger problem- orders are due today, we are not in school, all of the order forms and information are at school in my desk drawer.

What I've learned:
Take advantage of snow days!
This weekend we begin our festivities for National FFA Week with a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning followed by an Alumni Basket BINGO event Sunday afternoon.
If you can begin planning for your week ahead, especially when it is National FFA Week and the schedule will be hectic, take advantage of your snow days to plan and prepare.

Questions that I have:
1) How do I make up for 2 lost days of instruction? Do I cut one of my lessons and try to merge the two into one day so that I'm only one day behind instead of two?

2) What are some pro-tips on fundraisers that you have?

3) How do you keep your sanity through National FFA Week without getting overwhelmed?

Do what you love. (Week 5)

It's crazy to think that we are 1/3 of the way through this experience.

It's even crazier to think of all of my cohort members who will be graduating in May, getting jobs, and some even getting married.

As I think back on the week, a lot of things stuck with me. I've learned to do what I love and love what I do.

The week started off on the wrong foot, I knew it was going to be a hectic week so I worked hard to complete my lessons for the week over the weekend, but also tried to master the work-life balance of spending quality time with my family for the super bowl.


Tuesday I was able to assist Mrs. Cashell-Martin with gathering the remaining supplies needed for our Alumni Basket BINGO event next week, I was also excited to connect with my #PSUAgEd19 family and talk about their instructional "protips".


The remaining three days of the week are a blur to be quite honest.
Thursday evening I was able to attend the "Taste of Maryland Agriculture" event with Dr. Foster and Mrs. Cashell-Martin. The evening ended late with an early morning and observations by Dr. Foster.


Through the hectic week and the feedback from my University Supervisor I've learned a few things.

1. Confidence comes with content knowledge, always be a day ahead of your students.
2. Love what you do, and do what you love.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
4. Coffee comes in handy when you have late nights and early morning.
5. Keep pushing and increasing rigor.

My students have been amazing. They challenge not only themselves but also me to think beyond the content that's been taught. I've learned that although we are only scratching the surface in most subjects as we are agriculture educators and juggling many different balls at the same time, you always need to dig deeper into content knowledge.

I've learned that although I have a special passion for #AgEd4All, there is other ways to channel that passion while also serving the needs of the general education student population. I've found that your passion shines through in the subjects that you are passionate about, but you need to channel that passion and find something in every aspect of agriculture that you are passionate about to better serve the needs of your students.

I've learned that although some days are tough and you will truly never "know enough" about a topic, that the more that you push, and the more that you nurture that love and passion that you have created over the years, the more passion will shine through while you are educating and the more engaged your students will be.

I've also learned that it's never too late to change the ending.

Short Days and Discipline Derbies

Howdy Folks!

It is now the end of week 4 and beginning of week 5 in this crazy journey.


This week was a whirlwind of a lot of excitement and testing my flexibility.


Between the early dismissals, 2 hour delays, and managing some student misbehaviors, I would say that I learned a lot this week.


The main thing that sticks out for me this week was the ability to be flexible. Throughout the week, we had multiple surprises in regards to winter weather.


Monday: Normal Class Schedule
Tuesday: 2 hour early dismissal
Wednesday: 2 hour delay
Thursday: 2 hour delay
Friday: Normal Class Schedule

What did this mean for me and my planning?
This schedule effected each of my classes differently.

Power Mechanics 1- Total Class Time: 3 1/2 hours
Greenhouse- Total Class Time: 3 1/2 Hours
Intro to Ag Science- Total Class Time: 3 Hours

I lost an entire day with my Intro to Ag Science students.

I learned that not only am I an excellent planner, but I am also incredibly flexible. When things happen spur of the moment, I am able to adapt and change at the drop of a hat. I have been complimented numerous times on my ability to be flexible, however, I was finally able to see this shine through throughout this past week.

Not only was I able to be flexible with my plans and delivery, I was also able to experience when a student misbehaved in front of my eyes, or used disrespectful words when I asked politely for him to follow school rules by removing his hood.

I was able to think in the moment and react in a matter of seconds.
What I've learned from this: breathe! Don't make any rash decisions, they are just kids.

Gems from the week:
-Flexibility
-Planning/Being organized

Opportunities for improvement:
-Think before you react
-Don't be afraid to ask for help!