Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Convincing kids takes time...

Last year when I came to Healdsburg, I had a couple of diverse classes, one of them was Ag Biology. 

The thing about small schools, is that when you teach one of the only biology classes, you get a random mix of kids and they don't always necessarily want to be in an agriculture class. Sometimes I get students placed in Ag Bio because it fits with their schedule, some because they want to be there, and others for various unknown reasons.

I remember very vividly speaking with a student in the first month of school about why he was in my class and he said it that it was because administrators wanted to keep him away from his friends. Such a typical kid thing to say right?! 

A couple months later, I was speaking with my principal after an evaluation and he asked about the same student and his performance and behavior in class. I replied that he was a model student, extremely respectful and did really good work. My principal was shocked with that reply. Long story, short-- the student had issues with many of his teachers, and had a dark past that many wouldn't be proud of...

Having had no problem with the student previously I asked him a few days later in class about why he had issues with some of his teachers? In addition to asking why him and I did not have issues? The student replied, " You respect me, so I respect you". 

From that moment on, I made it my personal (and silent) goal to get this nontraditional FFA kid to show up to a meeting or put on the FFA jacket before he graduated. I knew he was smart and could benefit from FFA (whether he knew it or not).

After over a year of slowly pushing, today I met my goal!!! Jose volunteered at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Ag Days at the fairgrounds. He was great with the little kids and was really fun to take outside of the classroom to participate in an agricultural experience. He was actually so excited to put the FFA jacket on this morning! And was so proud to wear it all day. When we got to Ag Days, I told him I had to have a picture as proof that this actually happened... Miracles do happen... Goals are met with persistence... 

Convincing kids that the blue jacket is actually cool, mission accomplished!

All my kids did a great job today! I am so proud of them... I even got two super quiet freshmen to go! I've been working on them all year. 
"Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in"

Sunday, March 15, 2015

The ones you always remember...

At every school, there are always those kids you find that make you feel like you've found your purpose. You know the ones that learn a lot, grow the most, make an effort to keep in contact after they've graduated and those you feel like you made a difference with. 

This weekend, I was fortunate enough to travel with students to the Chico State Field Day. It's always one of my favorite contests as they do a great job hosting. This year I felt very lucky to talk with multiple past students who were helping run contests. Two were even on judging teams with me while they were in high school. 

It's these students who really remind me why I love my job. They both were very successful in high school. I had close relationships with both because they were on my judging teams. But their success was not typical... They may not have won a bunch of champion livestock ribbons or tons of 1st place speaking ribbons, but they had more heart and humor than most kids. Whether in FFA, judging, speaking, showing or the classroom, these girls were the type that made you love the career of Ag teaching. 

Although I had them while teaching at different schools, one at Elk Grove and one at Santa Rosa, these girls are very similar. They put 150% into everything they did. They loved FFA, had a passion for their animals (horses and rabbits-- some of my favorites too), worked to be friends with everyone, and most importantly, laughed a lot. 

It was a pleasant surprise to talk with both of them Saturday. I'm glad to see they have continued to be successful in college (now running contests). It reminded me that at the end of the day, when all the classes have ended and shows are finished, that the little things don't matter. It's more about the experience and time spent with these kids that make a difference in their lives (and mine).

It might be a tall blonde who judged horses or a quiet city kid who aced rabbit reasons or someone entirely different that reminds you of why you, do what you do. But at the end of the day, it's not about all the kids who walk in and out of the classroom. It's about the ones who walk right into your heart and stay for forever. I'll always think of these girls and their dedication to what they do... They drive my focus and dedication. They are the reason I never give up...

Keep the rest of them... Give me the passionate, funny kids and I will do this job for the next 50 years...


"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Maya Angelou

Monday, March 2, 2015

Teacher Conferences

Currently, I'm in Sacramento for the Educating for Careers Conference for teachers. 

Now, I feel funny saying I have been to my fair share of conferences but I have... I feel like I spend many hours at both student and teacher conferences. Although this EFC conference is for CTE and pathways and academies, it's my first experience at conference not specifically for Ag Teachers. 

While there are many things going on that are great and positive, I whole heartedly think other teachers and presenters "don't have nothin' on us". I've never been one to think that Ag Teachers are the best teachers because I know some pretty awesome teachers who teach other subjects. But this conference has create a sense of awareness for me about teachers in other CTE areas. And in all honesty, it's not all that positive...

Ag teachers are a rare breed. They are dedicated, innovative, caring and tenacious. But we also know how to ask for help (well some lol), work with others and spend time creating new activities and lessons. 

It's been an interesting few days, being around 2700 other CTE and Academy teachers... Luckily I found a few familiar Ag teacher faces in the mix and I brought a few peeps from school. The biggest thing I have learned from the conference is that every presenter (with the exception of like 2), should have been in FFA. Public speaking is an important skill that you can't overdue, especially if you work for a government agency, school or business... Basically everyone I've met in the last few days needs the leadership skills that FFA provides... 

Atleast we have fun while they let us out...


In other news, it was my birthday Saturday... Pretty nice day... And what did I get myself for my birthday? Well a bunny, of course!!! A super cute Holland Lop Buck... I'm so excited to take him to school! Still working on a name... Look for his Instagram, he's bound to be famous... 
Isn't he cute?!