Tuesday, June 30, 2015

I'd like to thank the academy...

Well, while trying to beat the 108* heat and avoid things I should be doing like planning for next year's classes, I figured I'd write about something amazing.

During the CATA (California Ag Teacher's Assoc.) conference I attended last week, my friends and I attended the awards banquet dinner. This year's theme was Masquerade which I thought was pretty fun. The banquet is always a highlight of the conference, as during the evening, the CATA gives awards to teachers and programs throughout the state.

Much to my surprise, I was awarded with the Outstanding Single Person Department award. While I am not a huge fan of recognition or compliments, I am extremely proud of this honor. I know I have worked hard the past two years to completely turn around the agriculture department and FFA chapter at my school.

One of the things I am most proud of, is who got to present me with the award. It was perfect timing as the presenter changes each year. To me, having Mr. Albiani present my award, make me laugh during the picture and tell me congratulations, was the biggest honor of all...

Almost 5 years ago, I had completely lost hope of getting a job in the agriculture teaching profession. I was not the #1 pick coming out of the credential program, I had applied to 25+ jobs with very few interviews and while most of my credential cronies were beginning the school year, I was going to move back to Ukiah to find a regular job.

In September, I applied for a long-term substitute job at Elk Grove High School. I actually got an interview, and ended up getting the job. Mr. Albiani, Ms. Mangan (Schager), and the principal either were completely crazy that day or believed in me more than I believed in myself.

Mr. Mooney has referred to that year, as Disneyland for me. While I'm sure he means something else, I like to think of that year as Disneyland too! Mostly, because it is one of my favorite places. I learned more in that year than I had hoped for and am eternally grateful for Mr. Albiani and the EG crew for taking a chance on me and not getting too upset for when I screwed things up.

Receiving the Outstanding Single Person Department award was an honor. But to me, Mr. Albiani handing me that plaque was the best part. It was as if he was telling me "You did good". The whole EG crew has kept me since my long-term sub gig... As evidence by going to dinner with them every night while at conference.

Being a single person department is hard. No doubt about it. But finding people who continue to mentor, chat and give advice when needed is the reason I have made it as a single person department. So the award wasn't just for me... It was for every person (Ag teacher) who has ever helped me. While there are too many to name, I want to say THANK YOU to every person who ever helped me in some way, shape or form.

Since the banquet, teachers and friends have continued to ask, "how does it feel?" The truth is... It feels the same. I don't work harder than others, in a single person department, I just filled out the application and was picked. There are so many outstanding Ag programs in the state, some run by the best teachers I have ever met. These teachers are also very humble and would never think what they do, is extraordinary... But they are!!!
Fort Bragg, Anderson Valley, Delano, Sebastopol, etc. Ya'll rock my socks... You are amazing!

For now, my plan is to continue doing the most and best I can for my students. While calling, texting, emailing, and talking to the best in the business to get help (or to collaborate with-- educationise speak) when needed. 

All the department award recipients 

The Sonoma Section in the banquet photo booth... 

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Looking Toward Retirement

Over the past few weeks I have been incredibly busy and have worked most days since school ended in the beginning of June. 

Luckily, this week I am in San Luis Obispo for the State CATA Conference. This is one of my favorite weeks of the summer each year. I look forward to seeing all the people that feed my soul... other Ag teachers. This year I have learned so much from other Ag teachers, both near and far. It's nice to be able to catch up with those people to remind me how lucky I am to have such a great profession.

As I sit in the Wednesday morning session, where retirees are being recognized (some roasted, lol) I can't help but think about retiring. Not because I'm even close to retirement (only 30 years from now or so), but because it gives me hope and inspires me to do more. 

Being an Ag teacher is about many things but after talking with my former Master Teacher this morning, I could chalk up being an Ag teacher to "mental toughness". It is mentally and physically (hello lack of sleep) demanding to be an Ag teacher. Not necessarily more demanding than other jobs but just more tricky. It's a frickin 3 ring circus most days! Listening to the achievements of retirees who have been in "the business" more than 30 years is intense. 

How can we possibly do amazing things to end up on the stage with accolades like these inspiring people. It goes back to mental toughness. Ag teachers ride the good and bad waves of curriculum,  funding, state staff, colleagues, awards, students, and of course parents. Being able to ride those waves, continue in the profession and be fortunate enough to sit on the stage with other retiring teachers would be an honor.

I know many people don't value this session of the conference because it's long but I always attend this one. This session inspires me to do more, coach more, teach better, meet more people, and just be better. Mental toughness gets me through the tough times to be able to enjoy the good times. Enjoying the good times are the way, Ag teachers survive some days. Having people to catch up with at the conference revives mental toughness. 

I think listening to the achievements should inspire all Ag teachers to do better and more. 

"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak."

The last few weeks of good times:
Officer Retreat with Sonoma & Elsie Allen
Giants Game!
Regional Officer Retreat (blog post coming about this trip soon)
Trip to Monterey to visit the bestie!
CATA 5k with these girls! Go Dogs!