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: 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

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: This Way to the Big Kid Job

See here's the thing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions. There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking out opportunities to make yourself better then you were yesterday.

As I prepare to enter into my professional career, no longer a student, it is essential that I take the time and initiative to seek out and take advantages of opportunities that will surely make me better at the interview process, at the job hunt and then successful in my own classroom.

In order to do this, I scheduled a time to meet with our high school principal, Ms. Hutchinson, to perform a mock job interview. Ms. Hutchinson was more then willing to get this appointment on the calendar right away and I appreciate her willingness to invest into my future career in amongst afternoon school duties and disciplinary actions.

Ms. Hutchinson chose to led this mock interview off in a conversational format, and though I would have appreciated the formalities for the practice, I was also really thankful for the chance for her to answer a question, me to answer it and her to break down and process my response. In doing so, I was able to identify some areas for growth and improvement as I work my way into a "real" interview.

Here are the questions Ms. Hutchinson asked...

1. Tell us about your prior experiences and how they have prepared you for this position
2. Describe a learning activity that you have implemented as a teacher that required higher level thinking and creative problem solving. Rate its effectiveness in enabling students to meet identified learning goals/objectives.
3. How does an agriculture teacher effectively incorporate literacy into everyday teaching?
4. What are the most important things to know/remember about assessment of student learning?Explain your understanding of differentiation and an example of what it would look like in your classroom
5. What measure does agriculture education need to take to stay relevant in today's economy and world?
6. In terms of managing study behavior, how do you determine and communicate priorities to students?

Good questions, right?! I was most challenged by the questions regarding literacy and assessments. Good reminders for me to do my homework and stay fresh on the terminology that we discussed in our course work at Penn State and connect it directly to examples in my classroom. 

Ms. Hutchinson's willingness to dissect each question and response after I finished allowed me to leave the room with some really good advice I'll share with you.

1. Find a way to take control of the interview. Seek out ways to talk about your strengths if they don't come up in the conversation. You've got to sell yourself!
2. Writing skills are not ignored! The quality of your cover letter and your essay or other evidence of writing speak directly to your professionalism, level of care and academia. 
3. Know the school and community that you're interviewing for. Do your research and incorporate what you've found into your responses.
4. Ask questions of your interviewers. Ms. Hutchinson values the questions her interviewees ask almost as highly as writing skills. One of my favorite example questions she shared was in the context of one-to-one technology. What expectations do you have for the implementation of technology by your teachers?

Simply put, this was surely a powerful experience. I surely came back with plenty of take-aways, too many to share in one blog!

Simply put, I'm thankful for a chance to identify areas of improvement before I head into a real interview room. I'm thankful that advice came from an adminstrators who values my success. 

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: 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

The Not So Normal Days

Edible DNA made Agriculture Biology way fun!

What an interesting week this one has been. You just can't prepare for some of this stuff, I'm telling you! For real, some days you have to accept the fact that people forget to work smarter, not harder. And somedays, your school server is going to get hacked and even Google will be considered and un-educational site that you and your students cannot visit and some days student stories will remind you again how fortunate you are to have been brought up the way you were. Oh, and somedays you just have to laugh it off and move on. 

For Week 13, 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: First things first, I just really like this place. I also just find it very hard to believe that we're this close to the end. It's been a great week of getting to see my students do awesome things. Crazy schedules let me get the chance to coach CDE teams on my own. Dairy Judging, Livestock Judging and Veterinary Science practiced this week experiencing awesome progress in preparation for State Activities Week. I got to watch several of my students rock out an wonderful performance of Anne of Green Gables for a school-wide teaser. I'm proud of these kids. Proud of them for working hard to make themselves better and proud of them for making themselves involved in areas outside of our "corner" in the school.

The Agriculture Mechanization NOCTI

Low: This week has been a crazy one. NOCTI testing and assemblies made for some funky schedules. The lack of internet for all parties in the school made for a week that felt rather unproductive. I found it a little defeating to have all of the different factors affecting the flow of the week. With no internet, students expected to not have to accomplish anything in the classroom, NOCTI testing pushed all of our classes to the auditorium, limiting our facility usage. But here's the thing, despite it all, you just push through and make good out of it. These road blocks allowed Ms. Herr to catch up on blogs and write some assessments and students to get prepared for the next AET evaluation. 

Tip: It was NOCTI testing week at Midd-West High School. My experience with NOCTI is pretty limited, I took the test as a senior in high school and discussed the importance of the exam for program funding in college courses. I'm thankful that I got to experience the NOCTI testing process while at Midd-West. Here's my tip, Midd-West pre-tests their students, holds several study sessions with their completing testers and uses those tools to help make their program better. Though the NOCTI is essentially a standardized test, there is a lot of value in the results from the exam. I also saw the immense value of keeping your administrators in the loop, not simply about what is going on in your program, but what why their support of you and your students in the NOCTI process is so valuable. Their support is needed for the success of your students in the process. 

Simply put, there is so much importance in getting your administrators and guidance counselors in your corner. Not just for the sake of logistics on the day of a NOCTI exam, but for continued support and gained understanding of the value of school-based agriculture education.

Simply put, find the good in the crazy. Find the good in the "not so normal" days. Find the good because the days fly by.  

Until Next 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

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

Remember Why You Started

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


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

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

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

Dalton working with some students on their review activity

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

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

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

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

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

Until Next Week, K. Janae

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