Most Days It will Be Okay...

As the end of the fall semester comes to a close, it's hard to maintain focus and drive when everyone on campus seems to be fading fast. Its become increasingly difficult not to go home before the sun goes down, which seems earlier each day. It is a struggle to get kids to maintain participation when friends and siblings are home from college or the military. In a world of social media and technology at their finger tips, it's hard to explain the reality of studying for finals instead of using the newest snapchat filter.

I know each December, I have this feeling of frustration with the lack of involvement, follow through, dedication to something other than getting "likes" in a virtual world. Don't get me wrong, I have some great kids that do amazing things. But I wish there was some magical formula for preventing this December Slump.  With my kids, it seems like there are two or three that drive the train of dedication for everyone during this month. However it creates animosity towards people don't hold up their end of the deal, which is never good.

At the beginning of December I attended the NAAE Convention. It was a really neat and different experience. My favorite thing was being inspired by teachers from other states and the activities they do in their chapters. By far, my favorite was an Ice Fishing Tournament Fundraiser!! When I figure out how to make that happen in Cali, I'll let you all know. The professional development was exactly what I needed for a little boost to finish the semester and to think about next semester. I wish there was something for my kids that provided the same refresh or re-invigoration.

Maybe in all my spare time, we'll someday create a chapter conference that works to provide time for all kids to do some team building, leadership training and planning time, so we can extinct the December Slump? Until then I will hold out for our Mid-Year officer retreat and MFE/ALA conferences. Fingers crossed they do the trick...

Not all of December was a waste, we did some pretty cool things this month. Over 70 Sonoma County Secret Santa gifts donated, over 500 pairs of socks and 12 handmade blankets donated to North Sonoma County Services, and 17 student volunteers for our Sectional Service Night at the Redwood Empire Food Bank. At least this month, they were LIVING TO SERVE.

 Blanket Making

 Our 17 kids at the Sectional 

 The whole Sonoma Section

Delivering our gifts for the Sonoma County Secret Santa program

If only everyone understood Ag kids...

When a kid returns from missing a ton of school, what is your least favorite question?
The question that "grinds my gears" is, what did I miss? or did I miss anything?

Next week, I am taking 11 students to National FFA Convention. Naturally, to help them prepare with being gone we discussed informing teachers of the absence 3 weeks prior, and then each student provided a form for teachers, last week, to assign them work while they are gone. This is so kids can make sure they do the work, and not fall behind in classes upon returning. Simple right?

Apparently not! This year I have had more issues with teachers complaining about the missed school than ever before. I am having a really hard time understanding this? Why does a teacher think they get to de-grade (yes it happened) a student or program for taking an education field trip, just because they miss their class? How is this okay?

While I feel like I my kids are amazing, I am not naive to the fact that they are kids. I know that kid's aren't perfect, but FFA kids are some of the best you can have. They work hard in and out of class-- And the ones that don't, don't go on trips.

National Convention and even State Convention, provide students with invaluable experiences that will carry them beyond the classroom. From www.ffa.org, "In October nearly 63,000 FFA members and guests from across the country participate in general sessions, competitive events, educational tours, leadership workshops, an expo and shopping mall, volunteer activities and more. It is one of the largest annual student conventions in the world."

How can a general education teacher argue with that? How can they think that 4 1/2 hours of class is more important that gaining experiences at the largest student convention in the world?! I hate to burst their bubbles but it isn't. Class is important (I am a teacher), but so are all the skills they learn while gone. 


For many of these kids, it's the farthest they have been from their parents and they handle with class. They look professional each day, they work together, they meet industry professionals and have every college imaginable at their fingertips. Many years, I even have my students participate in a National Day of Service where they perform community service that betters the city we are in. Last year, we packed boxes of food at a local food bank that disperses 16 million meals each year. 
End of rant....
Honestly, I had to prepare for 7 days of a sub, but it's worth it. The kids that go to National Convention are:
Can't wait for next week and the amazing memories we'll make like these...

It's a once in a lifetime type of experience for many kids. How can I explain that to a teacher who thinks their class is the most important thing in the world? I think teachers forget, one subject or class doesn't teach a student everything they need in life. The entire school experience is what makes our kids successful. Programs like FFA and leadership conferences are helping make our kids successful. 


A. Some of my best and brightest
B. Want to be there for the experience (not to get out of school)
C. Are working towards something bigger than themselves. They are determined to be good people!

Next, next, next...

Welcome back to school folks!! 

I just realized I haven't written blog post since June. I mean that's quite a while, right? It's not for lack of trying. I started many posts this summer, would get about halfway done and realize: who cares? Or It doesn't matter! Or I'm just ranting! So I deleted them. 

This summer has been a crazy one. I worked the majority of the summer-- you're shocked I'm sure... Not! It was mostly fun stuff like conferences, retreats, curriculum work and working with students. Add 21 days of fair, school construction keeping me out of a new temporary classroom until 2 days before our start date. I like to think I am mentally tough, but this summer nearly broke me. But the school year has begun so we are headed onward and upward! 

This year, like every year of my short career, I am teaching a new class. An agriculture chemistry class. This class is part of the new agriscience pathway, and is the second class in the pathway. The  first class is called Sustainable Ag Biology, it was one of my new classes last year. This year I have 2 sections of mostly freshman in biology and they are the cutest, most eager little beings. I wish I could bottle their energy and enthusiasm.

As for Ag & Soil Chemistry, I have been nervous all summer. I feel like I prepped a lot over summer, did some awesome professional development, and made some great contacts to use as resources. But still nervous... Fortunately, I have many kiddos in the class who have already taken chemistry, which to some makes it more nerve racking, but actually eases my anxiety. 

This is not a possibility in the new classes 

(or any of my classes previously)

The class itself is hard yet fun. There are a ton of labs and projects that help teach the content and for me that's a real win. I'd rather be doing stuff and making a mess, like we did today. Even though I haven't been a teacher long, the direction of the classes I teach, have dramatically headed towards more science. I like science fortunately, but I know others in our profession who have struggled with that movement. I see it as job security really, if it's the avenue to get more students in my class to be able to have a little understanding of agriculture and FFA, then I am A-O-K with it. 

There's a lot more of this happening when I 

get my plans done for the month. 

These classes of the Agriscience Pathway, give us the time to teach science concepts with real life applications that students can use. Whether traditional Ag students or not, the classes expose kids to science, agriculture, real life and hands-on skills.

The prep work I do for each class is more than I've done for classes previously. But in our short 3 weeks of school, I've seen a change in students that has evoked a positive response that encourages me to keep prepping. Stay tuned for the rest of the year! Cool projects, Neat labs, Awesome kids... #WhyITeachAg

 

Constant Struggle of Quantity vs. Quality

Being at the CATA Summer Conference this week, just like each summer, allows me to reflect on the past year keeping the future in mind. 

Without a doubt, this has been one of the most rewarding years in my career. While it's been short, my career hasn't been without challenges. But I've maintained the mindset that I love my kids and if I'm not pushing myself to do better, I cannot ask the same of them. 

In April (and for a few months leading up to it), I experienced something I had never done before. I had a student run for State Office. Now, this was not only a challenge for me as a teacher, but it was unchartered territory for anyone in my chapter and community. I am not entirely sure how teachers have state officer candidates every year. Fortunately, I surrounded myself and my student with some of "the best in the business" to help her feel prepared. It was the most emotional and mentally grueling process and I DIDNT EVEN DO ANYTHING. 

We train our students to be remarkable. Plain and simple. I'm still not quite sure how my student handled the process so professionally, when at the end of the day-- she's a kid. I think that is one  of the parts of agriculture education that gets overlooked by some-- these are kids. But, these are extradorinary kids. We push, raise the bar and occasionally have unrealistic expectations of "our kids". 

The thing I've reflected on the past few days that has weighed heavy on my mind, has been what makes us successful, as agriculture education and FFA programs? Who determines how and why we are successful? Is it the numbers? Is it the championships? Is it the community involvement? Is it the recognition? Is it who laughs the most (I think this should be measured-- because we'd win). Although I have no answers to any of these questions, I am most certain that it is the lives changed and the constant balance of quality and quantity. 

As a profession, we need to reach all our kids to make a difference but we need to find those kids with endless potential and push harder. Does this mean that all kids don't have potential? Uh heck no-- but we need to open doors of possibility to as many kids as possible. Do we have to have a state officer to be successful?? Maybe for some you do. But I've decided that looking at my crop of seniors this year-- I was lucky enough to open doors for them and assist them with finding their passion, plan their futures and help them be as successful as they could during high school. 

Do I have a state officer? Nope. Do I have some extraordinary kids? Hell yes. I know that everyone judges success different but at the end of the day, we need to find the balance of high quality kids and their involvement with reaching the masses to make sure we are impacting more kids and their futures. 

Agriculture education is a family. Working together to serve kids and help them be and do better is one of our most important jobs. One of the speakers during the conference made the comment that we need to be "infusing the culture into the next generation". Our culture should be one of teamwork, high expectations, family and hard work. That's what we need to perpetuate to our kids so they know they are successful if they are working to always be better.

Some of my kids who do extraordinary work and have limitless potential as they leave high school for bigger goals and dreams. 

The only way you'll earn $500/hour

I just had the esteemed honor of presenting scholarships at the local high school tonight. 

Again this year, I can't help but be frustrated as a I walk away at the conclusion of the evening. While there were a few significant improvements from last year, there's one big thing that weighs heavily on my mind. 

Why aren't kids applying for scholarships?! Like really!!! I'm not just saying this as a current teacher, but I am saying this as a former scholarship winner. I worked diligently my senior year to literally fill out every scholarship application so that I could maybe sorta kinda qualify for. I just sat through a two hour presentation of scholarships awarding more than 150 individual scholarships, yet the names called were the same ones over and over. 

Now I don't want to discount the hard work, good grades, and years of homework that these students completed but this begs the question of where the heck are the other 350 kids in the senior class?? What are we as educators, and we as schools, not doing? What are we doing that discourages or doesn't encourage all students to fill out these scholarship applications??

There are definitely the top of the class, high achieving, highly intelligent students applying for scholarships. There's also the other extreme of students, who come from nothing, and have nothing that are being pushed to fill out applications because they are involved with various programs or clubs. What about the in between? What about the average kids with average grades and average dreams? 

Who is pushing them? Anyone? There's one thing I've learned as a teacher-- don't ever discount someone because they don't shoot for the moon. Just because someone doesn't want to be an orthopedic surgeon, doesn't mean they are less deserving of a scholarship. Being realistic is actually refreshing!

High school isn't easy, but applying for scholarships is 90% of the battle senior year. Parents that let their kids float through school are doing them a disservice. People are begging to give free money to high school kids. Push your kids!! Even if grades aren't perfect, community service is lacking, or they aren't atheletes. Push! Teachers and schools can only do so much, but the kids have to have the initiative to check the scholarship board (daily!). 

I was able to hand out four $1000 scholarships with absolutely no requirements. No gpa, no service, no religion, no family heritage, no nothing required. It's quite possibly one of the easiest scholarships to apply for and yet students don't apply. I'm not sure what the answer is but it has to be a combination of kid, teachers, schools and parents pushing. 

"Knowledge is the eye of desire and can become the pilot of the soul."

There is a scholarship for every student. Just apply!

Some of my kids in Htown who received scholarships... A combination of good kids, parents who pushed, an open career center and teachers who care...

May.... I have some more time...

May....

May, I have some more time....

Does that ever happen to you? It's mid-May and I feel like I've run out of time to do anything. Time for school, time for fair, time for anything that requires thought or planning.

I am running on fumes. We have our fair next week and things are going haywire!! No, really... I have 35 kids showing a bazillion different species. It really is a fun experience because the fair is unique, small and so supported by the community.

So fair is next week, then we have "dead week", then the following week is finals and we are done. While I am pretty pumped to be done with this school year, I can't say I am ready for the weeks following. Following school, I have our officer retreat, then CATA Summer Conference, then State Fair, then County Fair. It's a never ending list of calendar dates that I am slave to.

It's funny though... I follow a group on Facebook for Ag teachers, where people post questions or seek ideas about FFA, livestock, curriculum, officer things, etc. Not too long ago, I read a post from a teacher who had lost their "spark" and questioned their choice to continue being an agriculture teacher. Everyone commented tips and tricks of how to maintain the spark, along with others who know her commending the great work they see that she does. It made me think... Everyone always tells me they don't know how I do it, or how I have the energy I do, but in reality, every person who becomes an Ag teacher has the potential to give 150%. We choose when we want to give that and when we would rather conserve that energy for another time.

Some days are harder than others to choose. When we would rather be with family, or get drinks with friends after work, or do anything else-- Ag teachers choose to do a project visit, catch up on grading, work on a new class, or plan an officer retreat. This never ending choice is why people lose their spark. I hear more and more about Ag teachers moving to other careers or even move up into the district performing new jobs. But it's because we have allowed ourselves to make poor choices. We have chosen our "kids" over other areas of life (for some even over their own kids). Finding balance in our choices and accepting our choices is the key. We cannot constantly give 150%, choosing school over everything else and then resent our choices. WE CHOOSE! It's simple... CHOOSE BETTER!

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility." Eleanor Roosevelt

Whenever I feel myself, starting to feel "less sparky", I peruse the last few years of pictures... It reminds me of why I choose them...

Super tech-y, tech-ish, or something like that...

Since becoming a teacher, especially in a single person department, I find myself pulled in 500 different directions on a daily basis. I'm being completely serious, on a typical day I may or may not have dissected something, planted something, done someone's hair, filled out a trip request, proof read an application, sent countless emails and had conversations with 100+ kids.

Being a teacher is the funnest job! Yes, I am being serious. Yes, I am slightly nuts. But really, I talk with the coolest kids, teach them something new and get to play with livestock and plants most days of the week. Being a single person department has been fun! I'm closing in on my third year of being the lone Ag teacher and it rocks my socks.

Some things that I have found this year, that have completely made my life efficient again are:
1. Google Keep
This is a new discovery. It is similar to Trello, which I used previously. I like Google Keep because it is my virtual to-do list. My brain lives on lists and I get some strange satisfaction with crossing things off my list. Google keep allows you to create lists, checklists, color coordinate, invite other friends to add and of course check things off! The color coordinating is quite possibly my favorite part. You can also have it send you reminders, but I have yet to make that happen. I just leave it up on my computer desktop to see all the items I simply cannot forget. The app is also pretty awesome!
This is what my current Google Keep looks like...

Just color coordinate and check off those to-do items!

2. Clifton Strength's Finder (https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/)
Soooooo, I did this with my Ag Leadership & ASB class this year. It was a lifesaver. Not only did it teach them about themselves, it taught me about them. I could much more easily understand why some kids just don't see eye to eye, but also how some see value in things like Harmony (definitely not one of my strengths). It was really cool and I want to do Strength's Finder with my officers this year.

3. The AET
Talk about efficient! This little baby has made so many things a breeze. Not only has it made record books as easy as possible, it helps me with tracking how much work students have done with their SAE projects. It's just so organized! I am still working to unlock it's full potential, but I think it's just going to get better and better for our little chapter.

4. Google Classroom for non classroom topics
Our school is a google apps school (whatever that means). Essentially, every student and teacher has access to their apps for education, one of which is Google Classroom. I use Google Classroom for all my classes. But more recently, I have been playing with it for other things like all my livestock exhibitors. I am able to upload and post all the documents they need, post google forms to collect data like project visit addresses, current animal weights, etc. I also use it to remind kids of dates and times of species meetings and project visits. As a teacher, sometimes I wonder why I even bother making copies of handouts, but I do... This helps when kids lose papers or need extra copies, it becomes their responsibility to get what they need-- which makes me a big fan!

Google Classroom for my Livestock Kiddos

As we head to State Convention next week, I am so grateful for all four of these new things... Students won't miss a beat while I am gone!

Can't wait to recreate these pictures next week,

 I don't even know what is happening...

 Boys do the hip pop too?

Excited kids... Fingers crossed for lots of those

10 things I've learned since becoming a teacher...

In high school, I was an average student. I was the kid the that had to do every homework assignment to get a B in the class, because my text scores were so poor.

As an Ag teacher, I have had the privilege of teaching all levels of students from the ones who struggle like I did to those who are amazingly brilliant. I've learned tons from all my students, but as I met with a group of UC Davis student teachers yesterday, I was forced to focus on what has helped me be successful or at least pretend to be successful. Bottom line... It's the kids!

Here are my top 10 things learned from my kiddos:

1. Organization is key

Some days organization saves my life, seriously. It's the only way I can function, if I'm not organized there is no way I can ask the same of my students and FFA officers. One of my kids always quotes, "don't talk about it, be about it" and that is how I think of being organized.

2. Pick your battles

Senior ditch day? Work with them not against them. Arguments on the officer team? Be the calming force and lay down the law when needed. Determine early on what is a hard line priority and stick to it. 

3. Be fair

All my students rock my socks. Some put in more effort than others, that's a given. But don't treat them any different. Fair time, congratulate everyone equally and be genuinely proud of everyone because at the end of the day those with ribbons make you look good and those without will try harder to be in the hunt next time. 

4. Find friends on campus

Kids have friends on campus, why shouldn't we??? Find the funny English teacher or the wacky math teacher or even the silly secretary. Befriend them, they understand what happens on campus and they always think you're a crazy person for spending weekends with kids which keeps convos interesting.

5. Be real 

Kids know the difference. Be genuine, be straightforward, be real. Simple.

6. Be firm, but warm hearted 

Make rules, stick to them always. But don't forget that sometimes kids can't control their circumstances because the adults in their life suck. These kids need you more than most. 

7. Be adaptive 

Roll with the punches. Be a chameleon, change as needed. Being a single person department has contributed to my understanding of this. I have to adapt or I fail... 

8. Bring your A game

Every dang day! Give 157% and if you can't, find what works for you but never give less than 100%. Your students deserve more, as long as they're putting the effort too. They notice what they are or aren't doing. Social media has made this incredibly apparent for kids. 

9. A little fear is good 

I'm good with kids being a little afraid of me. Obviously not scared entirely, but being able to pull out the "crazy person" occasionally works in my favor. But keep the crazy contained most days or it becomes ineffective. 

10. Don't forget to laugh

Laugh everyday! It's the best part of the job! One of my favorites was the time I was reading a New Horizons magazine which has jokes, I began reading them to the class. After two lame ones I read, "why does snoop dawg carry an umbrella?" Then I announced, "Fo drizzle!" I started laughing so hard I cried. The kids erupted in laughter, not because the joke was awesome but laughing at me because I couldn't stop. Did it take time from the planned lesson? Yes! Was it totally worth it? Heck ya! Do kids still remind me of the day? Of course... Laughter is key to sanity.

State degrees, Proficiencies and Star! 

Regional officers, such goobers!

Let them be silly! Keeps life interesting 

It takes a village

The past few weeks have been some of the most rewarding in my short career. Kids are going on educational tours, winning awards, being recognized for their dedication, and representing our FFA chapter in the most positive way. 

I feel like everywhere I have been lately someone is congratulating me and my kids on a job well done. While I'm not a big fan of being in the spotlight, I do love helping my kids get there. From proficiencies to conferences, and state officer candidacy to CDE practices, my kids have been killin' it. Although I make sure to humble them on a daily basis, I couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments, except their dedication and hard work is really what's paying off. They are finally seeing that the time invested is what gets them closer to achieving their goals. Nothing is promised or guaranteed, which means busting their butts is inevitable. 

At the same time, I feel so fortunate to have so many fellow Ag teachers in the state that I can call for help and advice. Rarely when one of my kids does well, is it just me and that kid putting in time. More often than not, I've talked to, emailed, or texted, one or more Ag teachers to get their help. Frequently, people tell me they think it's so hard to be a single person department, but in reality I'm not. Some days it's more like a 10+ person department, just via phone and computer. 

Speeches, resumes, proficiencies, interviews, applications, conferences, etc. It takes a village to make sure they're ready to go. I tell my kids constantly, I will help them reach their goals best I can, not because I know anything, but because I know the right people to call for help. 

That's one of my best pieces of advice for a new teacher or single person department. Find friends who are better than you and don't be afraid to call them for help. Because it's not about being the best yourself, but making your kids the best they can be. 

Kids at the State Capitol during SLE

Bee Tour at UC Davis

Sectional Speaking Contest 

FFA week

Purpose....

General education teachers... They are great!
But some days I worry about their general understanding of the importance of student leadership organizations.

For the past three days I have been at the Educating for Careers conference in Sacramento. Multiple workshops were related to student leadership organizations. Now, I'm obviously very partial to FFA, but there are others like SkillsUSA that seem to be very purposeful and effective as well. The weirdness has been from the teachers in the workshops and their questions during them. It is amazing some of the questions people ask about why we need these organizations and if they actually impact our pathway. People just don't get it, they seem oblivious to the benefits of student leadership.

Apparently, I have taken it for granted because its completely ridiculous to me, to teach without built in student leadership. Is it easier to teach with students who take ownership, or to ask to do more? Uhhhh hello, of course it is!!! Does it occasionally require more work outside of class time for a teacher? Yep! But impacting kids and giving them the opportunity to take ownership and experience student leadership is invaluable, Money can't buy that...

The day prior to this conference, I took students to the UC Davis Field Day. Now, by no fault of theirs, I messed up registration. I am definitely not proud of this and when I told the kids my story, they laughed at me (thankfully). Instead of saying forget it, lets sleep in, THEY asked if we could still go and see what the campus had to offer. When kids offer to get up early, wear a uniform and want to tour a college... You say yes! We went and ended up touring and even attended a workshop at their Bee Facility. It was awesome! They learned about a new industry and one was even inspired to start planning her next agriscience project. This day did not go as planned, but it actually turned out better than I could have planned. That is the purpose of a student leadership organization.

It's the buy-in
It's the dedication
It's the inspiration to do more
It's the teamwork
It's the consideration for others
It's the drive to be successful
It's the fun days
It's the hard days
That's the purpose...


"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." Mario Andretti

Bees Wax! 

They are my purpose...

FFA Week thoughts...

FFA Week begins today... What does that mean?
"Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. The week-long tradition began in 1947 when the National FFA Board of Directors designated the week of George Washington's birthday as National FFA Week in recognition of his legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. The first National FFA Week was held in 1948."

Thinking back to when I was in high school, I can't honestly remember anything about FFA week. Now, scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, I feel like it is an Ag teachers duty to find the best, coolest, and most awesome activities to execute during the week long celebration (with the help of kids, of course).

Why is it so important for us to have these explosively successful activities that have kids screaming "I love FFA!" at the tops of their lungs?! Isn't it more important to win over hearts of high school kids throughout the entire year? Are we spinning our wheels to plan and have activities that look great on social media?

I feel like every FFA chapter could now have a reality TV show during FFA week. But how many could say they could have that much excitement during the rest of the school year?

Should we be peaking during one week of the year or should we be consistent throughout the year?? Reflecting back on what my students remember over the past few years, it usually doesn't include an FFA week activity. Maybe we are doing it wrong? But what if, we are doing it right? --stick with me here

My students remember trips, conferences, community service projects and CDE practices before they remember something like corn hole... Now, it's important to have things happening during FFA week, especially things that involve the whole school. But, what if we did that all year? Why do we concentrate it into one week and expect amazing things? 

Wouldn't we be better off to coordinate one day a month, all year (August-June) to incorporate FFA, Ag education, Ag literacy, service and the entire school? Would it be more memorable? Would we be serving more of our student body?

Now, don't get me wrong-- I understand and value FFA week and it's purpose. But why can't we do more? Think global, act local type of thing... Something to think about for next year... 

Until then... I'll continue to enjoy all the Facebook and Instagram posts of other Ag teachers and their ideas... 

Happy FFA Week! 

Tug O War

Chalk Square Challenge 

Sack Races

Blast from the past Senior Photo in my FFA uniform...