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...