Teac{HERR} Tales: Mastery & Growth

As a 4-H alumnus, I'm naturally drawn to their motto: to make the best better. Despite long to-do lists, I am continually reminded that there is purpose behind each assignment that accompanies our student teaching internship. Many of them to quite simply, make the best, better. 

Now, please don't miss understand me. I am by no means writing this blog and boasting that I am already classified alongside the best and just working to be better. I've got work to do to get there, but assignments like the Action Based Research and Student Learning Objectives are designed to help to do just that. 

I worked alongside my cooperating teacher to develop my understanding of the Student Learning Objective, or SLO process early on in the semester. During which, we selected my Equine Science class and Horse Selection and Evaluation unit to focus my Action Based Research and SLO on. 

SLO's are based off of five components. Those components are strategically designed to help teachers identify an area of need and improvement in their classroom that they wish to intentionally improve. Results can be analyzed to serve as Action Based Research. These five components and how they fit for my SLO are shown below. 

1. Context

- This SLO was focused on 36 students enrolled in an Equine Science class in grades 9-12. This class is an every other day course that is 40 minutes long. 

2. Goal

- Students will classify, evaluate, select and manage animals based on anatomical and physiological characteristics

3. Measures

- Students will take a written pre-test, mid-term and final. They are designed to determine mastery at an initial level (pre-test) and mastery or growth of content knowledge and competency levels at the mid-point and final point of the unit

4. Indicators

- Students will achieve at least a 25% or higher on the pre-test, while on the mid-term and final student scores would increase by 25% of the pre-test score or achieve 100%

5. Expectations

- Scoring brackets were set to determine success. For example 0%-64% of students meeting the indicator targets equates to a failing status, 74%-91% is proficient and 92%-100% earning distinguished

Simply put, various factors played a role in the results that were determined during this assignment. Student awareness of assessments, student absence, every other day class schedules are just a few of the factors that surely influenced the results. 

Simply put, regardless of what school or state I teach in, I will surely be required to perform some form of an SLO or Action Based Research assignment. This was excellent practice, along with a great mentor!

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

Time Flies When You're Working With Great Kids

I'm not going to lie, I am getting ready for the end of this semester.

But at the same time I'm not. It's not because I'm tired of this teacher life. It's just that I'm ready for graduation and more job seeking and "big kid" world. You see, I LOVE what I do. I love the sphere of influence I have in this job. I love the daily challenge of this job. I love these kids. Quite simply, I'm ready for my own classroom. I'm ready to continue on this passionate pursuit of a brighter future for agriculture's tomorrow through today's youth.

Each day of this journey reminds me of how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to serve these students as their teacher for a period of time. I am incredibly thankful for all that they have taught me, the laughs that we've shared, the challenges we've overcome and the growth I've gotten to witness.

Chalk talk in Agriculture Biology - tell me the difference
between DNA and RNA

Week 14 was off to a storming start. I had the opportunity to join Mr. Bittner in Harrisburg representing PAAE at the Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organizations "Cornucopia" Event. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with other passionate agricultural commodity and special interest groups on behalf of PAAE. We busily worked outside, soaking up all the sunshine we could this week. The greenhouse, raised beds and school farm are in full swing production and ma
ny other fun projects, this week has been a good one.

As I have for the last 13 weeks, 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 got to attend an IEP meeting this week for one of my students. I've mentioned this student before in my blog. This student a pleasure to have in class, he has a smile on his face always, is a hard worker and participates to the best of his ability, all things that I appreciate about him. Mr. Bittner sits on this students IEP committee as his regular education teacher. Mr. Bittner asked our student to present a set of oral reasons he wrote for our Equine Science class for the IEP committee. Our student was quite proud of himself as were his parents and it was an awesome way for the other members of the IEP committee to see what he is doing in his agriculture classes and how successful he can and has been there. Three cheers for student success!

Low: I don't really justify this as a "low," simply as a really awesome growing experience. I have had the opportunity to teach an Agriculture Biology course while at Midd-West. It's definitely been a challenge. I've discovered a different art of planning through this Biology class. A type of planning that doesn't let me plan a week in advance like I can with other classes, a type of planning that requires intentional incorporation of Keystone vocabulary words. I've learned through this class to master effective planning and master the art of learning my content before I teach it to my students and mastering the art of gauging my students ability and comprehension of content knowledge. Now, I use mastering lightly, because it will take time till I'm truly a master at these concepts; however, much practice this semester has helped me gain much confidence in these areas.

Tip: Quite simply, finish strong. Somehow, somewhere we got ourselves to our last week of student teaching. It doesn't quite seem possible. I have regular conversations with students about leaving next week, sad conversations to have but a good rem
inder of how blessed I am to be here.

Simply put, I'm thankful that there's still challenges even in these last few days. Challenges that keep me fresh and relevant has I (hopefully) make my way into some job interviews in the next few months. 

Simply put, how am I possibly in the last week of student teaching?! Here's to finishing strong in this last few days and savoring each moment with these awesome kiddos.

Until the last week, K. Janae

Teac{HERR} Tales: Good Food & Good Conversations

There’s something to be said about the camaraderie in the "ag teacher world." One of the things I find most attractive about the profession is certainly the network that extends from not just the local level to the national level. Coming together with a passion for student success and the future of agriculture, agriculture educators

The Center for Professional Personnel Development annually hosts regional new and beginning teacher meeting, allowing teachers to come together to fellowship and share resources. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to expand my professional network across the state of Pennsylvania into the Northern region during my time student teaching at Midd-West High School.

Under the organization of Mr. Ron Frederick, Northern Region new and beginning teachers (and pre-service teachers!) met for a lavish buffet dinner, provided by the Center (huge shout-out to them!) at the Country Cupboard. I enjoyed a chance to catch up with Ms. Royer and Mrs. Gouger, the other Northern Region #psuaged16 members.

Mr. Frederick facilitated a discussion following the meal that allowed the seasoned teachers to share a funny story, a piece of advice and a resource that they find valuable. I learned quite a bit, for example bus drivers licenses aren’t all that they’re cracked up to be, rumen stomachs should only be dissected outside of the school building and other valuable information.

Between the ten of us that sat around the table, some unique teaching resources were shared! Arguably an anthem of teachers across the nation is beg, borrow and steal. The new and beginning teacher meeting surely prepares us to do just that! 

Here’s a few of them...

• PA Envirothon Mobile App (check it out here!)
• PA Extension Resources for Wildlife and Natural Resources (Mr. Frederick filled our bags full with those!) 
• A meiosis lab with these crazy little critters called "rebops" (check it out here!)

The last item on the evenings agenda was a chance for the student teachers to ask questions of the in-service teachers seated around us. Ms. Royer and Mrs. Gouger and I threw out questions that ranged from technology implementation strategies, job interview tips, acquiring program advice and time management strategies.

Simply put, I’m thankful for a night of fully stomachs, good conversation and additions to my teacher bag. 

Simply put, what a blessing it is to be a part of an occupation that allows for me to be a part of this expansive network of teachers who are seasoned with knowledge and experience and so willing to share. 

Until the next Teac{HERR} tale, K. Janae

Teac{Herr} Tales: South-bound and down!

I count myself blessed to have the opportunity to have experienced a diverse range of secondary agriculture education programs across the state and nation throughout my time as a student at Penn State. Those experiences such as the Domestic Study Away or Collegiate FFA CDE judging events have certainly helped mold me into the agriculture educator I am today and taught me to geek out a little bit when I get the chance to step foot in a new program.

I took a day off from my stellar Midd-West kiddos and headed South to Kennard Dale High School in York County, Pennsylvania where I spent the day with my #psuaged16 team mate, Ms. Jenna Timmons and her cooperating teacher, Ms. Abbie Smith. Without surprise, Ms. Timmons and Ms. Smith greeted me in the office with a warm, Ram-country welcome as the day got off to a great start.

I had the opportunity to work along side Ms. Timmons in contextual teaching lab last semester and enjoyed the opportunity to watch her teach in that setting. I was excited to experience her growth as an educator now coming to her cooperating center. I have always admired Ms. Timmons respectful, sweet and passionate demeanor and she proved no different during my visit. She praises and encourages her students well, another admirable trait she possesses.

Ms. Timmons taught a wide range of classes during my visit, ranging from Animal Care & Management, Veterinary Science Horticulture 2, FFA Leadership and CASE Intro to AFNR. This allowed me to watch her teach a diverse selection of students and content. 

The class sizes at Kennard Dale are much smaller then those at Midd-West and I appreciated seeing the many differences in classroom management and organization between my classroom and Ms. Timmons. My smallest class is currently 18 students, Ms. Timmons smallest was 4. Pretty substantial difference! That small class sizes allow Ms. Timmons to have very conversational class time as well as make for an appropriate setting to call her higher level classes to higher standards. This allows her to help develop critical thinkers.

Quite possibly one of my favorite things I heard Ms. Timmons say was “I don’t know, I’ll look it up.” Afterwords, she proceeded to jot down the students question so she could catch them up with more information on the topic later. It was a great reminder for me - we truly don’t have to know it all. Let’s learn alongside our students!

Simply put, it was great to be in Ms. Timmons and Ms. Smith’s very well organized classroom and get the chance to observe and encourage one of my peers. 

Simply put, my visit with Jenna challenged me to communicate more efficiently in praising and encouraging my rocking kiddos. It also challenged me to own the things I don’t know and accept the challenge. 

Until the next Teac{HERR} tale, K. Janae

Adventures of an Advis{HERR}: SAE's & Surveys

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 Mariah. Mariah is a junior at Midd-West High School, an avid field hockey player with a big personality and bold, adventurous spirit. I appreciate Mariah's willingness to just jump in and try new things. One of them being her SAE, which she chose to do an enterprise in the area of Agriscience Research with a focus on Social Systems.

An example of Mariah's questions

Mariah is interested in determining why the students enrolled in agriculture at Midd-West High School chose to take an agriculture course. There are ten agriculture classes offered at Midd-West High School this semester, all of these students will be asked to complete the survey for Mariah's research.

While Mariah and I met, we discussed the process of ensuring all students will have access to the survey and made sure that her questions were designed to help her accomplish her goal. Mariah finalized her message to the student body so that I could post it on our school's online platform for the students to take in class.

Student responses will be complied for Mariah to determine various themes and patterns in the data. Not only will the results of Mariah's survey help her be able to progress into the state Agriscience Research competition, the data will also be beneficial for the future of the Midd-West Agriculture Program. We discussed these options and designed a timeline and action plan for her to accomplish these tasks during this meeting.

Here's Mariah's message to the students

I am anxious to see the results that Mariah gathers through this surveying and helping her break down the results!

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

Week 12, Here's to Short & Sweet

Lucky, our pygmy goat guest

It hardly seems real that we're this close to wrapping things up here. Week 12 was a short one, Easter break took up a few days as did another trip to State College to meet back with the cohort "fam" and work on refining our interview skills.

The two day week was no less crazy then any others. Mrs. Gouger (fellow #psuaged16 member) came by to visit, pygmy goats wondered through the class and the marking period came to a close.

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: I can now say I have successfully completed my first course. Our Agriculture Education 8 (entry level course for eighth graders) runs on a marking period calendar, I had the privilege to pick up the third marking period section on day one and spend the whole marking period with them. This class in particular taught me SO much. Not only about social dynamics of middle schoolers (yikes!), but about diverse learners, differentiation strategies, importance of variability and much more.

In honor of Dr. Ewing, the four cycles of an engine dance!

Low: The end of the marking period brought a crazy tall pile of grading for Ms. Herr. In the midst of teaching a full load of classes, navigating through meetings and Easter break and a long list of other items I allowed for the grading pile to get way out of control. Every waking moment this week was surely spent evaluating students, adding grades to the gradebook to make the end of the marking period deadline. Lesson learned! I surely won't be letting the stack get that tall in the future!

Tip: Here's my tip for #psuaged16 this week, as we near the last 20-some days of our student teaching internship and we prepared to continually wrap up units and classes to pass back to our cooperating teachers, enjoy the bittersweet-ness of the moment. Enjoy the fact that there's a few extra minutes to catch up on other assignments and tall grading piles. But also enjoy the moment to celebrate student success that was accomplished in the time that you "owned the class."

Simply put, this two day week has been a short, but a sweet one. I'm thankful for the uniqueness of the week and of course the chance to dine with fellow Northern regional agriculture teachers and acquire new resources. 

Simply put, here's to the last 20-some days of this crazy experience. May they be full of celebratory moments of accomplishment, student success and progress. 

Until Next Week, 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

They all need a champion.

Stop what you're doing. Watch this. Even if you already saw it, watch it again. Then read my blog.

You know the drill, 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: Sappy teacher moments happened this week. I get it, I fully understand that in this job I have a HUGE sphere of influence, no pressure, right?! This week I served as an unofficial life coach for students as they navigated relationships, college and careers. No, I am by no means an expert at all of those things but nonetheless thankful that I have been able to build such trust with these students. Also, I did not have the opportunity to coach our small gas engines CDE team, but I have had the opportunity to teach them in class. And no, they didn't get their engine started in the area contest this week but they did give it their all and I was super proud of that. Some of my kids come from a tough background, I'm sure that goes the same for you #psuaged16. These students may not ever hear anyone say that they are proud of them; to silently root for them while heads come together to solve a problem; to be their champion. I got to be that this week and that rocked.

Low: Diverse learners have been a challenge for me throughout this experience, maybe one of these times I'll share to with you more observations on that topic, but this weeks low dealt with the challenges of IEP's. This week I watched one of my 8th grade students use his IEP, the adaptations and accommodations that I am legally required to provide for him, as a cop-out on an assignment that he wasn't prepared for. I know he struggles academically, but I know that we had worked hard in class to prepare for that assignment and that he was more then capable. It's sad to see that in some cases, the purpose of the IEP, to gradually strengthen the students skills so to "wean" them off their required accommodations and adaptations actually becomes a huge crutch for students, one that they solely depend to carry them through school. Granted, I have a wide variety of diverse learners in my classes and I know that is not the case for every one of those students. Irregardless of whether that test retake option is a crutch or not, these students deserve a teacher who stand beside them and push them to be the best they can be, despite academic challenges. They need a champion.

Tip: Here's something I've noticed, there's no perfect school out there. No matter what district you walk in to, there's going to be things that will not directly align with your personal philosophical views. Politics, budgets, legalities and all that other fun stuff cause us to quickly poorly perceive our schools. Sure, the public school system is wacky, believe me, I've been experiencing it first hand for the last five weeks. I've said it before and I'll surely say it again, I'm thankful for the authenticity of my student teaching experience and the relevancy that my cooperating teachers help me experience. But as I notice more and more the glaring "inconveniences" of the public school system I am reminded to not let those things become my sole view of my school. It's not in my power or physical ability to attempt to solve or worry about those big public school issues, this does not mean ignore them, but it does mean don't lose sleep over them. The bigger day-to-day issue should be ensuring that am I fully-present in that moment. Am I coming to school awake, alert and ready to serve my students, to provide them with a high-quality education and support them in the learning process? Politics, budgets and legalities aside, my "kids" deserve for me to put forth my best efforts to attempt to be a champion of a teacher.

Simply put, this week that was full of two hour delays (yay for a few extra minutes of sleep), two almost-fires in the shop (no worries, crisis quickly averted!), developing Sub plans, teacher in-service (which was a glorified version of #AEE412), chapter officer interviews, CDE contests and that's just the beginning. Also, I have never heard my name shouted across a room so many times then I have this week. 

Simply put, each week it gets "real-er." Yes, I know that's not a word. But seriously, each week during this internship the importance of me daily coming to school to be more then just a paper-passer-outer, test-grader, lesson-planner, meeting-attender and rule-maker gets "real-er." Each week it gets "real-er" that these kids need a champion, here's to being just that.

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

Abandon Ship!!

Friends, there's something so interesting about this student teaching internship experience. 

So much of it is a dream come true, here I am being an agriculture educator, teaching lessons and advising blue-jacket wearers. 

So much of it is an uphill climb as I daily am seeking opportunities to become the best version of an educator I can be. Reflecting on failures (which happen quite frequently) and rejoicing as I find myself smiling at the end of the day because "I did it." Small victories friends, small victories.

 Midd-West 8th graders learning about
the many careers in Agriculture

You could argue that week three of this internship still classifies as the "honeymoon stage," which is absolutely a valid argument; however, I would say that so much of these past three weeks has been quite realistic. So "real" in fact that it makes me laugh. The craziness of the day-to-day life of an agriculture teacher, the relevancy of everything that my cooperating teachers put me through has been so intentional, so valuable. My experiences thus far have been incredibly authentic, some purposefully designed that way as my cooperating teachers strategically include me as a fellow colleague, not just some average student teacher (for that I am so thankful) and has my students, quite simply, are just normal students. 

Here's the thing, these first three weeks have flown by, this week was full of seed dissections, engine disassembly, lesson planning, faculty meetings, advising over an FFA executive meeting, banquet preparations, FFA recruitment, torch-lighting struggles (it happens), judging practice, greenhouse planting, department meetings... Yea, you get the point. No wonder these weeks are flying by!

As I look back on week three, 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 cheers for unconventional
writing spaces!

High: I feel confident in saying that I believe I have mastered the art of organized chaos this week. Welcome to the life of teaching in a multi-laboratory facility right? Out of all the lessons I taught this week, I think I bypassed the lesson and rolled on my own for a good 80% of them. Listen, I led the crew to abandon ship and we ended up drawing on tables and doing some self-led dissections. Here's the thing, good things can happen when you stray off the lesson, people!

Low: This week has made me so very thankful for the upbringing and I have had. Not a day goes by when I don't learn of student who's home life is quite frankly just not fair. There is no doubt that these kids deserve a quality education and a safe learning environment regardless of their background and  home life is. I've been privileged enough to grow up in a home where I never went a day without knowing that I was loved and cared for. It hurts me to know that's probably not the case for some of my students. As I work through these 15 weeks I desire to find ways to love on these kids and showing them that I care in unique way. 

Tip: "Be stubborn about your goals, but flexible about your methods." It's really that simple. When you can get to the point that you will be flexible about the way in which we deliver our content, but consistent in our goals to provide a high quality, engaging and rigorous learning environment good things can happen in our classrooms. It requires some conditioning of your students to venture off the beaten path with you, but from what I've found this week, it can make for an incredibly powerful learning experience.

Simply put, adapt and overcome! Students will be crazy, pieces won't come together quite always as planned, but you owe it to your students to move forward and give them your best regardless.

Simply put, I'm just really thankful for this experience. For the challenge that it daily presents me, the constant learning curve I'm up against, the people I get to work along side and the authenticity of my day to day adventures. 

Until Next Week, K. Janae

The Classroom Down the Hall

There's a lot to be said about getting views from different vantage points. 

For example, in efforts to gain a better understanding about the way in which other classrooms are run at Midd-West High School, I was assigned to perform an observation in a science classroom. There's much purpose behind this assignment, agriculture is an applied science so there are a lot of connections that can be made to delivery and management of my classroom. 

I observed Mrs. Shellenberger's Biology class, primarily 10th and 11th grade students. I observed this class on a lab day, however; I appreciated getting the opportunity to observe how Mrs. Shelleberger prepares and manages the students to complete the lab assignment. 

Mrs. Shellenberger was very enthusiastic, clearly passionate about her subject area and embraced the energy of a last period class. This was quite evident by her tie-dye lab coat she was sporting that day, she does her best to make her Biology classroom a positive learning environment for her students. 

I have a strong appreciation for Mrs. Shellenbegers well established classroom routine, something I absolutely strive to build in my own classroom. This routine was very definitive but allowed for flex room for a little bit of fun, like singing happy birthday to a student. She did a phenomenal job at helping her students understand her expectations for the class period. Her lab packets were extremely thorough, setting students up for success. The clarity she worked hard up front to provide, proved worthwhile because she had much more time to enjoy the process and help students dig a little deeper into the lab instead of answering and clarifying over small details. 

She also utilized several tools to effectively manage the class time. During the lab students were held accountable to complete tasks by a digital count-down clock on the screen. She also posted her class agenda, with time limits on the board, so each student understands the plan and goals for the day. Midd-West High School has forty minute periods, which fly by, so strategies like both of these help maximize learning time. 

Simply put, this assignment proved valuable not only as an opportunity to gain some tips and tricks for my teacher tool box, but also to help me to continue to understand the workings of Midd-West High School. 

Simply put, I have a long way to go before I can master the classroom as well as Mrs. Shellenberger did. But I am confident in my training from Penn State and coaching during my time here at Midd-West to help me get on my way!

Until Next Time, K. Janae