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

Wooaahhh, we're half way there...

It was a typical start to the week, I was participating in my normal Monday-morning review of my agenda planner. During that particular moment, my eye was drawn to the weekly count down written beside each week. A seven was scribbled on the left hand side. Seven, which is half of fourteen and fourteen which is the total number of weeks I spend here at Midd-West High School.

[insert minor hyperventilation moment]

You people, we are half way done with this student teaching internship; this capstone experience of my college career. It doesn't even seem real. No doubt, it will get harder before it gets easier. My class load will keep increasing, classroom management issues will surely not disappear and it will most definitely keep getting harder to say goodbye to this place and these kids.

Week seven meant National FFA Week, a quiet week for Midd-West FFA as energy was focused on a school-wide food drive for families in need in the school district, the annual awards banquet in two weeks and the teacher appreciation breakfast to be held in conjunction with an upcoming teacher in-service day. Agriculture Education 8 had a week full of labs, Horticulture, Welding and Small Gas Engines diligently worked on cumulative projects and self-directed learning. My newly acquired Forestry class jumped in both feet, to our Maple Syrup Production unit, mastered the art of putting out student "fires" Our first full week of school in a while was a good one, full of exciting learning.

Week seven 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).
High: Disclaimer: I by no means have figured this teacher-thing out; but I've certainly come to the realization that there is not worth stressing over the minor details. I am here to cultivate growth, a learning environment that is safe, engaging and meeting all of my students needs. This week was full of "ah-ha!" and "ohhhhhh's" and "that was actually really fun!" coming from student mouths. All of which I count for small victories in a week that was tiring and long. 8th graders are challenging, high school boys are a little bit crazy, but nonetheless I'm so proud of these students and the progress they're daily making even when I end my day quite beat.


Low: My challenge this week has most certainly be this growing need in my class for differentiated groups. With a week full of plant science labs for my eighth grade students, I've been testing grouping students by their ability, if you well. Allowing my higher performing students to dig deeper at their own advanced pace and giving me more time to work with my lower performing, or behaviorally challenged students. Differentiation requires extra planning on my part to ensure that the rigor of my lesson is appropriate for all of my students. It's challenging to gauge the best way to execute this in all my different classes, each with a more diverse range of students then the last.

Tip: Seek out the small victories. The next seven weeks will probably get a little more stressful before the get a little easier. This week and the next few weeks following I'll be jumping into some units with content that I am not familiar with. Of which is a humbling reminder that I most certainly do not have to know it all but is also a reminder that I need to actively seek out those "ah-ha" moments for my students, not letting myself get stressed and exhausted in the content that is unfamiliar territory for me.

Simply put, it's still blowing my mind that we're half way done with this experience. Only seven weeks left with these kids! I'm feeling the pressures of "did I really leave a lasting impact here?" "do they know and understand how passionate I am about their success?" Here's to seven more impactful weeks! For both them, and me.

Simply put, I certainly say it every week, this job is exhausting but oh, so very rewarding. So very thankful that the Lord has called me to this place; to this field. 

Until Next Week, K. Janae

Field Trips & Proud Teacher Moments

Traditionally, those who ride school buses are students, which is true. However, this time, I rode the bus as a teacher. This time, I rode the bus with 60 some students, as one of their fearless leaders. Boom. Reality hits, this is real. The capstone of my entire college career, student teaching, has officially arrived.

But hey, nothing says first day quite like a field trip!

And what better field trip then one to the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show!

Midd-West FFA loaded up, 60 students ready to go explore the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation and celebrate the successes of their peers.

I enjoyed the morning visiting with teachers from across the state (and nation!), enjoying infamous farm show delicacies and learning more of my students throughout the day.

We collected students and sat down in preparation for the 87th Pennsylvania FFA Mid-Winter Convention and I got to catch some pretty cool exchanges by my students. A life skills student of ours was receiving his very own official FFA jacket through the PA FFA Alumni Jacket Scholarship during the convention. He met up with the group, dressed to the nines in his almost-complete official dress. He was SO excited and his parents, SO proud.

Better yet, I watched my other students walk up to this student and congratulate him, complement him on his belt buckle (which clearly was a big deal to him) and celebrate with him in this milestone. You see, for this student, zipping up that jacket for the first time was only the first of many huge and life changing experiences that the FFA will provide for him. I was there. I sat on that dirt floor and wrapped around the arena with all the other awkward freshman and pulled on that stiff corduroy jacket for the first time. Seven years ago, little did I know.

Simply put, I wish nothing but all the same and more incredible opportunities for this life skills student and all my students, present and future. May they diligently seek out and take advantage of all that national blue and corn gold can offer them.

Simply put, I was so proud of my students, for being proud of their peer, complimenting him and building him up. But more so, I am so thankful to be a part of a national organization that provides opportunities for all students regardless of the abilities, appearance or background.

Forever Blue, K. Janae

Adventures of an almost Advis{HERR}

You know, I’ve set foot in Louisville, Kentucky a lot of times. 

Left to Right: LIFE Conference '10, NAILE with PA 4-H State Champion Livestock Judging Team '11, American Degree '13, Collegiate Assistant with National FFA '14

But this time was different then any other. This year I got a new button. This year I had new responsibilities, new purposes, a new name. 

National Convention '12

I’m still wrapping my head around this whole idea, the different experiences I had this week. It was a little bit surreal. It’s a little bit crazy to truck around the National FFA Convention & Expo with your “teacher backpack” on and this line of kiddos in some pretty slick blue corduroy jackets following behind you like ducklings follow their mom. For those of you know know me, the blue and gold has been, is and will continue to be a huge part of my life. When I was a high schooler attending National FFA Convention I dreamed about the day I would get to wear the advisor pin. I dreamed about being the not-so-hot driver of a classy school van. I dreamed about getting to watch my students look wide eyed across the crowd during their very first general session. This past week those dreams came a little bit true. 

I piled in that classy school van on a rainy Wednesday morning with six students who pretty much had no idea who I was and I did that “ag teacher thing” with the Midd-West FFA. Aside from a few different days of observations, this was the first time I’ve gotten to spend some quality (and by quality, I mean lots of hours piled in our classy school van, galavanting throughout Louisville) with a few of my future students I have the privilege of teaching during my student teaching internship in January.

I experienced some pretty unique things this week. Things like...

A new pin! So surreal, quite honestly.

- When I walked up to an exhibitors booth, that red pin magically got me some cool things to add to my teacher box.  

- It takes a few days to get used to that whole "Ms. Herr" thing. I still kind of giggle when I hear that... 

- Ag Teachers serve as a second set of parents. This week I filled in as the take-your-medicine-reminder, the life-decisions-coach, the how-about-we-find-the-positive-side-of-this-speaker, the here’s-a-lame-travel-game-for-us-to-play-creater and everything in between. I chose a professional that gives me the chance to live in a sphere of influence that is quite incredible. I don’t want to take that for granted. 

- Your kids will get tired and grouchy and have a hard time making the best of the experience some days. And that can be a little frustrating. But I have to remember  that I was a kid one time too. But I also want to call my students to higher standards, so that amongst the tired and grouchy they remember that convention may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so soak up every minute! What did they tell us in opening session? Something about amplify? Yea, amplify the moment! 

You're welcome for this.

- I forgot that high school drama is a real thing. I am super thankful for this week and the chance I had to be reminded of what life was like for me way back in good old 2009. Three cheers for braces! No but really, I was reminded of the value of listening to my students, regardless of how silly their problem may seem in the moment.

- Teaching is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard. It’s busy and tiring and overwhelming (duh). But I’m ready for the challenge. I’m ready to move and shake the lives of my students, I’m ready to push them and dive into that sphere of influence. 

I so appreciate the six rockstar Midd-West FFA members that I got to adventure with this past week. 

I appreciate their authenticity, their willingness to try, to get to know me, to let me get to know them, their ability to see the world in mature eyes.

I appreciate my cooperating teachers willingness to include me as an advisor this week; to give me a real-life experience - no sugar coating.

Simply put, what a week. A week full of dreams come true, good conversation, establishing relationships, preparing for what’s ahead and amplifying my passion for this field. (see what i did there?!) 

Simply put, here’s to the adventures of Ms. Herr and the journey of student teaching at Midd-West High School and then whatever doors God opens for me next.   

Until the next time I ride in a classy school van, K. Janae