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