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.
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