Remember Why You Started

And then it hit me. I only have one more month left with these kids. 30 total more days to bring my best foot forward, despite the stress and craziness of the day-in-day-out of life as an agriculture educator for the benefit of my students. It hardly seems real that this semester is that quickly coming to a close. In fact, I'm quite certain that just a few days ago, we were all piling in a school bus headed to the Farm Show Complex for Mid-Winter Convention.


With Easter Break knocking at the door, it made things a little difficult to look at week 11 and these last 30 days with my students in a positive light. But as my feet hit the floor (probably a little later then they should have) on Tuesday morning this week I told myself "remember why you started." Same goes for you #psuaged16, don't forget why you started in these last few weeks. Don't forget to thrive.

Back to business, week 11 has brought warmer days which means antsy children and a busy greenhouse. The spring flower fundraiser wrapped up this week, lots of spring cleaning activities throughout the FFA office and ag classroom, running engines and punnett squares far enough for the eye to see. I tell you, it's all about mastering the art of organized chaos. (Is that a resume worthy skill?!)

Week 11, though a short one will be no different. I'll be sharing a high (some of the top notch, #thebestofmiddwest and other dynamite moments), a low (the not so glorious, wish it couldn't been better or those "you'll have that" kind of moments) and a tip (something of the Teac{HERR} Way that I learned or heard that should be shared with #psuaged16 and friends).

Dalton working with some students on their review activity

High: A few weeks ago, on our way to SLLC, I had some good conversations about how awesome agriculture education really is. Two of my students were on the fence about what they wanted to do for the rest of your life. (FYI, as an ag teacher you automatically become a life coach. No pressure.) The idea of agriculture education grew on them and this week with the help of Penn State Teach Ag! Society's Essay Contest, I got to watch one of my students give it a try. Dalton took on my Small Gas Engines class, bringing some solid content about the 5 engine systems. That class is a challenge, it's the last period of the day, there's 18 boys, need I say much more. Dalton did a great job taking on the challenge. Standing to teach your peers is a daunting task, even as a senior. I was proud, not just for Dalton's great job but because I couldn't help but think that I played a small role in helping him consider agriculture education as a career option. 

Low: Mr. Erb was out for the week and asked that I focus on some theory rather then have my shop classes work, to be easier on the sub. #psuaged16, be purposeful in your sub plans. It has been much of an upward climb dealing with these "anti-sub" students this week. I get it. Break is hours away and they're taking this class because they want to work with their hands. I reacted to some situations in ways that I wasn't really proud of this week. I was tired, I too was ready for break and let that come out on them. In efforts to rise above, I chose to start class with an apology. I watched my cooperating teacher model this for me, it proved quite powerful. 

Tip: Here's my take-away from this week. Be patient. Be patient because the sun is shining outside. Be patient because he just might not get it (even after lots of independent instruction). Be patient because odds are not many people are with them. Be patient because, seriously, it's not the end of the world. Be patient because there's only one month left.

Simply put, take a deep breath. Be patient. Run around like a chicken with your head cut off. Make a second to-do list. Laugh it off. Remember why you started.

Simply put, here's to the last 30 days with these students. The ones who frustrate me, worry me, overwhelm me, but most importantly make me laugh. "Invest into your kids and they will invest into you."

Until Next Week, K. Janae

The Top 10 for Week 10

Here's 10 crazy things that happened during Week 10...

1. New Classes

2. Tractor Driving

3. Rabbit Breeding

4. Maple Syrup Production

5. Running Engines

6. Career Fairs

7. Growing Grading Piles

8. Teach Ag! Essay Contest Preparations

9. Burning Shop Towels

10. Oh, and Burning Maple Syrup

No joke, that all happened. And all in one week. Let's break it down. I'll be sharing a high (some of the top notch, #thebestofmiddwest and other dynamite moments), a low (the not so glorious, wish it couldn't been better or those "you'll have that" kind of moments) and a tip (something of the Teac{HERR} Way that I learned or heard that should be shared with #psuaged16 and friends).

Testing the sugar content of our
sap sample

High: Student progress. I am a firm believer in holding students to a high standard; pushing them to focus and to put their best foot forward. Here's what I've learned about possessing that philosophy, sometimes students don't appreciate the pushing. Until the end. As we neared the end of our engine overhaul unit, this week has been full of lots of engines starting up. One group in particular was ready to get up and running on Monday. This particular engine team needed lots of reminders to stay focused, but when they buckled down they could be quite productive. When Monday rolled around and they had acquired the proper fluids for their engine and were ready for the big start-up, my heart smiled big time when they weren't going to start the engine without me. Maybe this is just my sappy interpretation of the moment, but it seemed as though my constant pushing had paid off as they wanted me to share in their victory of accomplishment. I'm proud of these kids and the progress I've got to witness in the last 10 weeks.

Boiling the sap down
(Be careful, it burns fast!)

Low: Here's the thing, don't write your lesson plans in pen. They'll change. I picked up our Agriculture Biology class this week and we jumped, both feet into our genetics unit. Starting things off with the infamous concept of punnett squares, I was reminded of the importance of knowing your students and intentionally planning those formative assessments to gauge where they're at and what specialization they may need. This Agriculture Biology class is a unique course and is preparing students to take the Biology Keystone Exam in May, because of that it is so crucial that I am constantly checking for understanding. I owe it to them to lead them into this somewhat daunting exam prepared.

Tip: Here's what can get frustrating with the public school system... today's students never have an opportunity to express themselves. They sit in their cookie cutter desks with their cookie cutter laptops and listen to cookie cutter lessons to prepare them for this big (dare I say cookie cutter) test day-in and day-out. No wonder we see behavioral issues or unmotivated students? It's unfortunate; however, that what seems to be the only class that allows student to express themselves; to learn in whatever way best suits them, is in our elective courses. It's as if our students desperately need these classes and too often then not our administrators deem them "invaluable." This observation made me want to fight for these students even more, to express the uniqueness and value of my program to my administrators and co-teachers and to ensure that I'm daily teaching to the audible learner, the visual learner and the kinesthetic learner.

Get those kiddos outside!

Simply put, I love the adventures that each week here sends my way. From fires, to student projects, to crazy count-downs telling me we're almost done with this wild ride, I'm just really thankful.

Simply put, each week brings new challenges to the table, week 10 was no different. Here's to providing my students with may the only opportunity they have to express themselves, to learn the way they do best. 

Until Next Week, K. Janae

Adventures of an Advis{HERR}: SLLC

As a high schooler, some of the highlights of my FFA career were undoubtedly those which were opportunities to travel to various leadership conferences and interact with fellow FFA members across the state. I was thankful for various opportunities to continue to participate in various FFA events throughout college, providing for me opportunities to give back to an organization that had given to be so much.

But then things changed. Then I was assigned to Midd-West High School and then I was no longer a collegiate member, volunteering my time and energy to help with the success of events. Now, serving the role as an advisor, my experiences at these various events look much different. No longer simply a workshop facilitator or freebie provider, I am responsible for safe delivery of my students to the event site, ensuring that everyone is following curfew rules, actively participating, staying healthy and respectfully representing our chapter.

Midd-West FFA recently arrived back from Pennsylvania FFA’s State Legislative Leadership Conference, an annual conference that allows members to dive deep into the legislative process, participate in some leadership and personal growth workshops and perform community service projects. Check out my top three take-aways from this awesome trip below.

Investment: I was a huge fan of this trip because not only did I have opportunities to invest into my professional development, I had immense opportunities to invest into my students in a setting much different then the classroom. I got to know more about where they come from, what they're passionate about, what they're stressed about. We laughed a lot on this trip, for that I am quite thankful. I've said it before but I so appreciate the authenticity of these students and this trip was another opportunity for me to dive into that.

Service: FFA members across the nation proudly boast the line of motto "living to serve." SLLC provides students with the opportunity to serve organizations in the Harrisburg area for, collectively over 1,700 hours. As our bus rolled into a church parking lot with a mountain of mulch greeting us Midd-West FFA members were excited about the opportunity to spend the afternoon working outside. I was incredibly proud of my students who, without hesitation, grabbed shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows and leaf blowers and busily got to work. They worked alongside of two other FFA chapters and made the afternoon quite fun, without even trying. When one task was finished, they were up asking what to do next. This attitude of positive dedication and determination is seemingly bred into those that proudly wear the blue and gold.

       

Connection: As agriculture educators, we play a pivotal role in the marketing of our program to administrators, community members and legislators. That role is quite simply getting our students to show up in blue jackets and then let them do the work. We spent nearly three hours touring the capital with Representative Fred Keller on the last day of SLLC. Not only was it an opportunity for him to spend time with his constituents, it was a chance for our students to spread the word about the powerful things happening in the Midd-West High School Agriculture Department. I learned the importance of not only helping your students make connections with other chapters but helping them make connections with those who help make their community run.

Simply put, these adventures in blue jackets and school vehicles are my favorites. I'm also a big fan of the way in which the National FFA Organization actively prepares students to be positive agents of change in their communities.

Simply put, I'm thankful for a chance to invest into these kids outside of the classroom, to continue to be the teacher that strives to be their champion when they have no one else. 

Until the next time we load up in a classy school van, K. Janae

Blue Jackets; Gold Standards

There is never a week that looks the same in this job. Which is fun, just a little bit stressful from time to time. The week started early as we loaded up vans and headed to south to Harrisburg for the State Legislative Leadership Conference (more on that later). It was a crazy few days filled with proficiency award evaluating, workshops, community service, shared meals and lots of laughs.

Ms. Timmons rocking it out!

Week 9 also made room for a visit to Kennard Dale high school to visit Ms. Jenna Timmons. I'm proud to be a member of #psuaged16. It was fun to watch one of my peers in action, interact with their students and watch them deliver content in creative ways. Ms. Timmons and Ms. Smith make a great team and are clearly influencing the students and community members. Also, shout-out to all the members of #psuaged16 who did some stellar bounce-backs from SLLC! Adapt and overcome!

Just like normal, I'll be sharing a high (some of the top notch, #thebestofmiddwest and other dynamite moments), a low (the not so glorious, wish it couldn't been better or those "you'll have that" kind of moments) and a tip (something of the Teac{HERR} Way that I learned or heard that should be shared with #psuaged16 and friends).

Three diligent servers at the
Teachers Breakfast

High: It's been a week of getting to watch my students plan and execute events; marketing their program and organization for those around them. In the past week I've acquired positions not only as an FFA Advisor, but also scarf and tie fixer, hair-doer, medical consultant and speech coach. I love these kids and I love what opportunities the blue jacket provides for them. Not only have they found this network of friendships, they've chosen to be a part of an organization that makes them a better version of themselves. And that is something to be incredibly proud of. 

Low: Sometimes students will disappoint you. And that's hard. There comes a point where calling them to a high standard almost feels like wasted breath. I watched one of my students struggle to understand the weight of his position on the officer team, struggle to wrestle varying opinions of popularity from one social group to another and struggle to choose the high road when somethings didn't go his way. I also watched his teammates share frustrations with him, but turn and try to call him to be fully present - he owed it to the membership body and the team. This student is most likely closing the door on this FFA chapter for the rest of his high school career, which is unfortunate because he is closing the door on a lot of uncovered potential. But you win some and you lose some. 

The 2016-2017 Officer Team

Tip: Get your kids in blue jackets and make them seen. In front of teachers, in front of administrators, in front of community members, in front of legislators. Let them do the talking; let them do the marketing for your program. It's powerful. I loved the observation on of my students made during our teachers breakfast. One of our officers presented on the foundational concepts of agriucltural education and the Midd-West FFA and was followed by our principal who held a mini-faculty meeting before the teacher in-service day started. The student noticed that shortly after their fellow member was done talking it didn't take very long for the teachers non-verbal communication to scream boredom, yet during the FFA presentation they were actively engaged. Students are powerful.

The Midd-West FFA Alumni is doing big things for
the Midd-West FFA!

Simply put, I LOVE banquet season. I love the daily adventures of this job. I love long banquet dress rehearsals, I love early morning teacher breakfasts and preparations for plant sales and all of that good stuff.

Simply put, it's such an honor to serve these students as their FFA advisor. They make me laugh, challenge me and live life authentically. 

Until Next Week, K. Janae

All aboard the struggle bus!

It was just one of those weeks. Each day more crazy and exhausting then the last. But these kids. I tell you what. In amongst these wild, crazy days I'm thankful for their continual reminder that this is why we do this thing. Not for an income, for an outcome. It is not about getting your students to "like" you, ain't nobody got time for that! It's about being that one teacher, that one person they interact with that day that gives them a chance. And far too often to we " do not have time" to offer that second chance, this week was a solid reminder that I want to be the teacher that gives a second chance.

Week 8 was rightfully a wild one. Sidenote... how is it even possible to be finishing week 8 already?! We kicked things off this week with strawberry delivery, birthday celebrations in judging practice, ridiculous amounts of speech and creed repetitions, I advised my first FFA meeting (totally geek out moment), an impromptu mini petting zoo form in our classroom and exciting moments of student-driven learning.

Just like normal, I'll be sharing a high (some of the top notch, #thebestofmiddwest and other dynamite moments), a low (the not so glorious, wish it couldn't been better or those "you'll have that" kind of moments) and a tip (something of the Teac{HERR} Way that I learned or heard that should be shared with #psuaged16 and friends).

High: Proud FFA advis{herr} moments this week... I advised the last meeting of the 2015-2016 officer team. That was a mildly surreal moment; one that I had dreamed about for quite sometime. I also had spent most of my week helping prepared speakers and creed speakers prepare for the SUN Area CDE contests. Three of my eighth graders had committed their supervised study's to the preparation of the FFA Creed. Hard work pays off friends, one of the three of my creed speakers will be joining a few other Midd-West FFA members to compete in regionals.

Low: Here's the thing about Fridays... everybody struggles. Especially when this weird snowy mix is falling from the sky, people have been out for FFA trips, some crying kiddos oh and a dog and five rabbits roll into your room. Welcome to Fridays in room 312! Ms. Herr was driving the hot mess express first period! The bell rang, class was over and I was feeling a little bit defeated. But we shake it off and take some time to revisit content the next class session. Fridays do not mean your given a pass to ease off and not take advantage of learning time. These kids still deserve my best effort despite tears, substitute teachers and a mini-petting zoo.

Tip: This week I witnessed my cooperating teacher have one of those "flop lessons." Students (teacher and student teacher) left confused and frustrated after spending the class running all over through supplemental content to a previously performed lab. It took all but fifteen minutes for the teaching train to derail and the rest was history. But here's the thing, despite the absolute craziness of the day before, I also had the chance to witness my cooperating teacher make the rebound. I've blogged about it before, it's okay to have to re-do lessons, we owe it to our students to give them the best possible learning experience. But we also owe it to our students to be authentic. At the start of the next class session, my cooperating teacher didn't start the lesson without a moment of "hey, listen. I'm sorry." He apologized to students he was openly frustrated with, he apologized for causing such frustration and then together, we all "erased" what we tried to learn the day before and start fresh.

Simply put, authenticity is respected. Students crave it. I'm thankful that my cooperating teacher wasn't afraid to own the lesson that was derailed and guide his students through a restart. Students need to know that we are human too, that we do absolutely do care about our students engaging in a successful learning experience.

Simply put, the day-to-day variety of this job is my favorite. I can't predict what animal will show up in my room, what problems will need solved or how my students will surprise me. A seasoned teacher once told me "invest in your students and they will invest into you." I love that the day-to-day variety of this job allows me to invest into different students and surprisingly receive investment back.

Until Next Week, K. Janae