Teac{HERR} Tales: Don't Break Your Benjamins!

There's this one thing that serves as the grease to the wheels of agriculture education programs. It's the budget. Finances, like in all facets of life, play a huge role influences abilities to function as a productive unit or individual.

This post goes out to all those new and upcoming Career and Technical Educators out there. We sit in a unique seat. Our budget goes further then index cards, highlighters and textbooks. We have equipment needs, repair needs, plant needs, transportation needs and the list goes on and on. I am going to share the top three things regarding budgets and school funding in the realm of Career and Technical Education utilizing advice from two seasoned agriculture educators and the business manager here at Midd-West High School.

1. Relationships

• Initiate and Invest. Relationships like the Secretary that oversees your accounts, business managers and administrative assistants play a huge role in the success of the financial aspects of the program. Initiating and investing into these individuals help get them on your side is will be powerful down the road. Give them flowers, FFA apparel... long story short, make them feel appreciated. I was also recommended to send students to them first, they enjoy the opportunity to help them learn through the process and see their successes. In that though, these relationships are delicate in the sense that your emergency does not constitute as their emergency. Ever. The district office is a business office, they run on business hours, not school hours. They're "slow" season is during the summer, take the time to work with them then!

2. Fundraising

• Identify multiple funding sources. Whether that is through program fundraisers sponsored by the FFA or through an alumni association, access to resources beyond simply school funding can help programs ensure a "safety net" for years when funding may be questionable. When solidifying these multiple funding sources, it is important to keep a creative mindset. Never say no to an opportunity that may result in an profit. These multiple sources help teachers plan for success. These efforts also allow for a unique opportunity to keep your program visible in your community. When those external groups see the value see the power of the program they will seek out ways to support. My cooperating teacher also gave some awesome advice, the school board approves each major financial decision of the program. This helps build rapport and maintain program support on an administrative level.

3. The Program Budget

• Much of this process is dependent on infrastructure at the local level, but there are many general terms and themes that arise across the board. There are potentially up to three sources of external funding that the school (with an agriculture program) can secure - Perkins (federal funding), Vocational Subsidies (state funding) and Fair Funds (state funds). These funds will come a year late and because of that, is why careful recording of program concentrators, students who take at least 2 agriculture classes a year, plan to continue taking agriculture coursework and have set an agriculture career objective, is so important. The program budget will be itemized into subcategories that can range from equipment repairs, propane for the greenhouse, NOCTI testing, etc. Purchase orders play a big role in billing process throughout the year, because of the line-item system in the budget. Again, another important reason that those relationships with the secretary is so important!

Simply put, plan ahead - budgets get completed a year in advanced. You won't really know what you'll need next year but with careful planning, good record keeping and efficient communication successful budgets can be possible!

Simply put, as always, relationships are easily the most important factor in this situation. Establishing and working to maintain relationships with the correct parties will help ensure effective and efficient use of program dollars.

Until the Next Teac{HERR} Tale, K. Janae

Teac{HERR} Tales: Enhancing the School Farm, One Tree at a Time

The Forestry classes at Midd-West High School have a unique outdoor classroom. Granted to the program by the school district, these students, along with other agriculture students at Midd-West have access to a 15 acre school farm. This land is viable for planting and student committees hav
e actively sought out resources to get seeds donated.

Last year, the school farms inaugural year, students and parents put forth time to plant a corn and pumpkin crop on the school farm. This year, as the school farm moves into further phases of development, Forestry students are focusing more on environmental impacts.

During our Silviculture and Forest Ecology Unit, we focused our energy on utilizing the content learned in this unit to help invest into the land around us for future use. Our Community Based Unit of Instruction was designed to look like the outline below; however, the weather created a constraint of some form because I will unfortunately not be here to see the full project in fruition. Nonetheless, the project is off to a great start!

1. Defined Riparian Buffers
2. Identify Soil Type and Texture
3. Evaluate the Site
4. Research and Identify Tree Species
5. Identify Funding Sources
6. Order Tree Seedlings
7. Install Riparian Buffer

The Forestry students determined that the most suitable species for the riparian buffer include Graystem Dogwood, Speckled Alder, Button Bush, Red Elderberry, Viburnum, Silk
y Dogwood, Eastern White Pine and Winter Berry. All of these species have expansive root systems, do well in partial sun, wet or sandy soils and produce a fruit or nut that can help enhance the wildlife habitat.

While the students evaluated the riparian buffer site they identified other needs aside from the riparian buffer that need addressed when looking at the site from a conservation stand point. The stream access needs established infrastructure and the
current field line should be pushed back to the line of soil type change the students identified during their soil survey.

As the projects continues the Horticulture class will also have more of a prominent role as well as the school farm FFA committee.

Simply put, it's been fun getting to dive into this project with the Forestry class. I wish would be around long enough to see the fruits of my students labor, it may mean swinging back around for a visit!

Simply put, there is extreme value in designing unit like this. Students have a unique sense of buy in because of their direction connection, opportunity to work and ownership. 

Until the Next Teac{HERR} Tale, K. Janae

Teac{HERR} Tales: Northern Region PAAE Meeting

I always enjoy being in the presence of seasoned agriculture educators. Not only does it give me an opportunity to be reminded of the power of an expansive professional network, but it reminds me of the reasons why I chose this profession.

I have a strong appreciation for both the National Associations of Agriculture Educators and the Pennsylvania Association of Agriculture Educators and their willingness to accept the pre-service teachers of the profession. Each time I have been given the opportunity to participate in a PAAE or NAAE event, I have grown to appreciate the network of teachers, mentors and friends that I have been able to establish there.

The Midd-West crew caravanned their way to the Northern Region PAAE meeting, to enjoy a meal around the table of fellow teachers and discuss important events and "ag teacher business," if you will. Here were a few fast highlights from the evening meeting...

• Summer Conference

• PAAE executive members shared new information regarding the 2016 PAAE Summer Conference. Midd-West High School will be the host school for this years conference. The tentative agenda is full of some great industry and program tours in the SUN Area and some incredibly relevant professional development workshops. After attending the 2015 PAAE Summer Conference held at Tyrone High School, PAAE members alike should be excited about the opportunities that await in July!
• Industry Certifications 
• PAAE invited a representative from the Center of Dairy Excellence to share with the Northern Region teachers. A new program initiated by the Center is their curriculum to help high school students earn certifications in the area of Dairy Herd Management and Dairy Business Management. How powerful is it for our students to be able to walk out of our classrooms with a certification that allows them to be more competitive on the job market?!  
• State Workforce Development Initiatives
• There have been powerful partnerships forming between various components of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education, PAAE and other Agriculture Education categories. Because of these partnerships, heavy attention is being placed on agricultural related careers in the state of Pennsylvania and tools that agriculture educators can use to ensure that they are best preparing their students for careers in need. Mr. Scott Shelly, the Special Assistant for Workforce Development has created this awesome resource for agriculture educators to share with administrators and guidance counselors. Check it out here!

Simply put, there is an immense value in paying dues and being an active participant in professional organizations. In an unique industry like agriculture, it is important to actively seek out these organizations to ensure that we are the most relevant educators possible. 

Simply put, agriculture educators are quite the bunch. I'm proud to be one of them.

Until the next Teac{HERR} tale, 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

Advis{HERR} Adventures: SAE Visits

This student teaching internship obviously creates a lot of unique experiences for me. Some of them intentionally placed throughout the program, others occur organically as I daily progress through this journey. One of these strategically placed experiences is the an SAE visit with one of my students.

One of my first encounters with Midd-West FFA students was this past summer when I participated in several different SAE visits, you can read more about those here. I had an opportunity to host an SAE visit with one of my students that I now know much better then I did the students I met with back in the summer.

Meet Corey. Corey is a hard-working student who recently moved into the Midd-West School District. I appreciate Corey for his willingness to accept responsibility, dedication to assignments and innovative mind.

Midd-West FFA has taken on the responsibility of maintaining the flower beds around the original school sign that sits outside of the administrative building. With a recent addition of a newer school sign outside of the high school, the folks in Buildings and Grounds were looking for some landscaping to be done.

Corey jumped on the opportunity to be the lead on this project. With his previous experiences in CAD Design and Landscape Design, he created a partnership with the Midd-West High School Tech Ed teacher to utilize their software to draw up the design for beds around the school sign. Buildings and Grounds gave Corey and the Midd-West FFA a budget to spend on plants for the bed.

During our meeting, Corey and I discussed the potential for various types of plants to grow in the beds, dimensions, slope and other concerns that may arise in the future of this project. We headed inside from the chilly weather and discussed some goals for Corey to set in the next few months. Corey keeps his records in AET, where members are evaluated on a bi-monthly basis for maintained progress and valuable entries.

Corey has plans to perform a soil test to identify the type of soil he'll be working with at the sign and continue to identify plant varieties that would be a good fit for the needs of this project.

Simply put, I'm excited to get to participate in the progress of this project alongside Corey over the rest of my time here at Midd-West. He's got an immense amount of potential and will surely do big things!

Simply put, I shared in my blog post over the summer about how thankful I am to be in a position where I am a catalyst of impact. SAE Visits allow for just that, impact that stretches outside of the classroom. One of the very many unique components of school-based agriculture education!

Until the Next Advis{HERR} Adventure, K. Janae

K. Janae, Reporting Live From Room 312!

This week has been a little bit surreal. Somewhere, somehow I ended up in Snyder County. It's like I blinked or something. Somewhere, somehow I ended up in my last semester of my Penn State career, the capstone of my degree program - my student teaching internship.

Ms. Herr's Desk

Somewhere, somehow, by the grace of God, I have the privilege of teaching and coaching the students at Midd-West High School under the mentorship of two passionate educators. And for that, I am grateful.

I have officially made fort in room 312. In the last five days we have transitioned from the "new lady over there" to "good morning, Ms. Herr!" In the last five days I have positioned myself strategically in the corner of the room with observant eyes and at the door with a welcoming smile. In the last five days I have met many members of the Midd-West team, participated in faculty room lunches, decorated bulletin boards and did Friday morning coffee and donuts in the ag room with Donna the
janitor.

FFA Executive Team Meeting

As I reflect weekly on my student teaching internship, 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: I did that teacher thing this week! I picked up my first class, there's no just dip your toes in around here, we do cannon balls! Small Gas Engines was the first to welcome Ms. Herr to the front of the room. This class will definitely be a challenge, last period and 18 boys, but it will most certainly be a good challenge. We knocked out some micrometer reading skills this week, next week the tool kits come out!


Low: This week began the official lesson planning adventures. As I planned with Mr. Bittner and Mr. Erb and dug through some of the lesson plans I made the semester before, I was a little defeating to see that I wasn't able to use some of the lesson plans I had written, but a good reminder of the importance of planning and planning ahead.


Tip: "You cannot make enough mistakes." It's that simple. My cooperating teacher gave me that advice as I stressed a little over the art of classroom management with some of my classes. #psuaged16, don't be afraid of the mistakes that we most surely will make. We're not doing this because we knew it would be easy!

Simply put, this is really happening!! Teacher badge, my own desk, FFA executive meetings, my very own classes and getting to students. 

Simply put, I am excited to dig deeper into this sphere of influence I have the opportunity to participate in. 

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

The Teac{HERR} Way - Through This Door

Through this door pass many dynamite PA FFA Chapter Sentinels!

I count myself privileged to get the chance to spend a day helping develop better chapter officers; to get the chance to get students excited about their leadership roles and ways that they will serve their chapter. 

With the help of two rockstar shadow teachers, I helped 14 PA FFA Chapter Sentinels develop skills in the areas of ...

Opening Ceremonies

Roles of a Chapter Sentinel

Successful arrangement of a meeting room

Self confidence

Conversation starters

Chapter recruitment

Typically, The Teac{HERR} Way is post where I reflect on my contextual lab experiences. This time around I am going to reflect on my workshop at Fall Leadership Conference. Like normal, I'll share my Gems (the good stuff), Opps (areas where I need to work on) and my Targets (my goals for next time).
Gems-

• Check-points. We used these as brain breaks for our Sentinels. After completing a few learning objectives, we paused and revisited what we had done and was coming next. But first, we took some time to get the wiggles out with some ice breaker activities like the ever-popular (and slightly competitive) human table.
• Variability. Motions to opening ceremonies, life-sized 'Memory,' role-playing, the human table... The list goes on, I tried to be intentional about consistently changing up the activities so that the 2 1/2 workshop didn't feel nearly that long.
• Engaging Environment. We started out a little slow and groggy but it didn't take long for the Sentinels to understand that my team was all about making this learning fun and rememberable. 

Opps-

• Conversation. We spent a portion of time talking about five really great questions to use when striking up a conversation with somebody new. My learner satisfaction forms revealed that this activity was super popular with the Sentinels, I wish we could have spent more time on that activity.
• Take-home. I did not prepare to send the Sentinels home with any review sheet, prize, etc. and looking back I wish I would have made up a card with the top five questions for conversation that I discussed earlier, especially seeing how that was such a popular activity.
• Review. I did not do a good job at designing an effective wrap-up activity for this workshop. A huge shout-out to my teammates for their creativity and willingness to work with me on the fly as we wrapped up with some of the extra minutes we had left over. 

Targets-

• Check-points. This is strategy I don't typically use when I'm facilitating, but I found that it played a huge role in keeping my students engaged. There is a lot of power in reviewing where we've been and where we're going. This is strategy I want to aim to use in my classroom.
• Purposeful Reflection. Similar to check points, but on a more comprehensive level, I am continuing to discover the incredible power in leading my students through purposeful reflection at the end of the day. It's good for them to think back at what was covered and equally as good for me to see what they found as most impactful.

Simply put, It is always a good day when you get the chance to get back in a room surrounded by the blue corduroy.

Simply put, I just really love FFA members and am so very excited someday get to serve them as an advisor.

Until Next Time, K. Janae

Catalyst of Impact

And then I said to myself...

"I cannot wait to be agriculture teacher."

Okay, honestly I say that quite often. It's true, though. I can't wait to have my own classroom, my own tomato plants growing in my greenhouse, my own engines roaring in the shop, my own students discovering, inquiring and developing.

I hopped in my car after completing surgery on a the fence that made up a goat's new home, hit the southbound highway back to Lancaster and through a nerdy ear-to-ear grin I said it... "I can't wait to be an agriculture teacher."

I can explain more about the fence-surgery situation; however, it will make more sense when you understand why I ended up on this farm in the first place. In the life of many agriculture teachers, a summer surely looks very different then other teachers in the building. From conventions, to conferences and meetings to fairs summers go flying by. Throw in SAE visits and the calendar fills up fast. That's where it all happened for me, fence fixing and all - my very first SAE visit.

First things first, Midd-West FFA members are rockstars. You should also know that there is incredible power in the SAE visit. Allow me to explain...

• They allow me to meet my student, in some cases, where they are most comfortable. But also, right, smack dab in the middle of what they are most passionate about. Take Levi for example. A rising freshman, most all that Levi knows and loves revolves around dairy cows. (I of course, was in my element on the Landis farm!) Maybe you missed it, but Levi is a rising freshman and he, along with his uncle operate the family dairy farm which includes two Lely robotic milkers. Levi's SAE visit turned out to be the first time, I, a former dairy princess even, saw robotic milkers in action. But the best part was when Levi excitedly led us into the barn office to explain how the robotic milkers allow for him and his uncle to collect data on the cows production. As Levi maneuvered the windows to show us various stats, he screamed potential!

• It reminds me to be flexible. Mr. Bittner and I started the day out with intentions to visit three students and finished the day visiting five students. I must say, it is terrible convenient when siblings end up being home at the same time! But things change, students don't answer their phone and record-keeping gets neglected over summer. So flexibility it is! Also, being flexible helps make the transition from talking about egg production to white tailed deer production much easier.

Big shout-out to Carly for earning a National Silver medal for her Speciality Animal Production Proficiency Award! 

• My favorite part about SAE visits isn't the chance to see all of my students projects or jobs. It's the fact that I, Miss Herr, not only am their educator but a catalyst of impact. As much as SAE visits are about the here and now, they are about the future. So, while mending the fence for a very curious goat Sam, Mr. Bittner and I discussed the value of a post-secondary education and expanding professional networks. Then Rhode Island Reds turned into SMART goal setting and business planning all around a picnic table in the comfort of their own home. I read this quote shortly after my experiences at Midd-West which I felt summed it up well... "Instruction does much, but encouragement does everything." I want to encourage my students to do more, to be more and SAE visits create a great environment to do such.
  

Simply put, SAE visits are for relationship building, for adventure, for learning (for both teacher and student!), for practice and for planning. Simply put, SAE visits are powerful platforms to serve as a catalyst for impact. 

Simply put, I can't wait to be an agriculture teacher. 

Until next time, 

K. Janae