Close the Gap

Okay, since I haven’t written anything in a while I figured I would give it a whirl. On the phone yesterday, a friend said I hadn’t written a blog in months and I told her that sometimes I don’t feel like I have much to say(or write) unless I am annoyed. I guess that isn’t the healthiest but it seems to work.

So today, here I am… Slightly annoyed and writing.

An interaction yesterday gave me some perspective to think deeply about my job. What are we doing? Why are we doing in? How do people still not see the value of agriculture education? Where did I go wrong? These thoughts made me think back to a less than positive interaction at the beginning of the school year where a staff member questioned my understanding of my students, their backgrounds and my compassion towards them.

If you didn’t know, our school district has been hammered for the past year for lack of equity. I am a firm believer that this comes from how our district has handled issues between the charter school and the elementary school. That’s my personal assessment. But it has now cast a shadow over every decision made, every email sent, even most conversations and trainings.

But yesterday’s questioning asked for conclusions and perceptions of equity and the cookie cutter mentality within our agriculture classes and FFA on every level.

If anyone were to look at our class rosters, they would know they are equitable in every sense of the word. If anyone looked at our gradebooks, they would see equity. If they looked at FFA meeting sign in sheets, again it would be equitable. If they saw completed Agriscience projects, they would see equity.

However, while our classroom and program are equitable, I am not sure that people understand the real question of equity at the higher levels of involvement. At state conference this past year we had Lupita Cortez Alcalá, Chief Deputy Superintendent of the Department of Ed. speak to the membership. One thing I remember specifically from her speech, was how she addressed that in most cultures it’s not the norm to send a child off for the weekend or week to stay with kids, teachers, and chaperones. When she talked about this, I really thought about how I have been so lucky to have students whose parents trusted that I always would take care of their child on a trip. But I also recognized that this idea would take an entire culture shift to close the gap at leadership conferences and any activity that requires travel. I have even been reading a book recently that addresses gender equity—and probably not the kid you think… It refers to boys and how they learn, why they do or do not get involved in education, test scores, classroom cultures, etc. There are issues everywhere and everyone handles it differently.

While I know there are always gaps to close in regards to student involvement (I would literally take 95% of all my kids to a conference if I could), I can’t help but think how can we make adults understand.

How do we ensure administration understand? How do we make communities get it? How do we get away from the stereotypes that adults perceive to be true? How can we agree to disagree without making others feel inferior (cuz that’s definitely how I felt)? While I can agree there are always improvements to be made, I think we are well on our way to ensure that agriculture education and FFA are ahead of the rest on campus. 

How can we create an education system that appreciates all types of programs as long as they provide opportunities to kids? How do we encourage all programs to step up their game instead of criticizing programs that go above and beyond because its different?

Following yesterday, I still know and maintain that FFA and agriculture education makes a positive difference for kids. We work hardest on campus to involve ALL kids and provide opportunities they would not otherwise have.

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” Jiddu Krishnamurti

Apparently, we just have to continue to educate others. It feels like a never-ending battle when you feel passionate about something that works and people still don’t understand. If you've never seen Bre Holbert's retiring address from the 2018 National Convention, I think she sums it up perfectly. (Video)

Why can't they just be more like us??

This week I attended the Supervising Teacher Institute in Sacramento. We spent a significant portion of our time discussing how we can best support student teachers and new agriculture teachers. We also talked about our “AgEd family” often and the support that we provide each other to make sure that we are not just being successful as individuals but as an entire profession. On the second day we were fortunate to visit the State Capitol and meet with our assembly members and senators (or their staffers). Our first meeting was with Mike McGuire’s Senior Legislative Aide. She was great and one of the comments I made, was that “it’s so nice to not have to convince Mike about importance of agriculture education, because he is a product of it”. He gets it, he loves it, he rallies for it, because it is part of who he is. We then got a special extra meeting with James Gallagher (way to go Heidi!). I again thanked him for not having to convince him of the importance of agriculture education—he too is a product of the 3 ring model. James was great to talk with and he asked questions about CTE and how we can make sure we have a workforce ready to do the jobs that we as a state demand (specifically the rebuilding after the fires in multiple counties).

Meeting with James... Product of Mrs. Laurie Goss &  East Nicholas FFA

I started thinking on the way home from our conference. I have heard many times about how AgEd has the best model for education and how we will have over 100 student teachers coming out  in the next year. But why and how is AgEd continuing this uphill climb while other CTE programs seem to be in a constant state of simmer? The state is begging for more CTE and budgeting millions of dollars towards CTE, and then just hoping that program numbers will increase and the number of students produced will continue to climb. This is all happening without much thought to the infrastructure to how programs grow and become successful. It’s pretty simple—TEACHERS!

Non-Ag CTE teachers do not have the structure, support or lines of communication that agriculture teachers have. AgEd definitely has the FFAmily idea worked out and it’s part of the reason we are successful. We have meetings regularly and are updated on state funding and legislation. Other sectors don’t have that… Other sectors don’t produce kids that graduate high school passionately dreaming to teach that industry to others, like AgEd does.

How can we continue to promote all CTE industries if we don’t have the teachers in all those areas? Why don’t kids want to be construction teachers, culinary teachers, child development teachers, etc? There are 15 industry sectors provide CTE opportunities. But why have we as an AgEd profession not worked with them to make their structure and communication as good as ours? Why do they promote just their industry and not becoming a teacher of the industry???

Teachers are the backbone of agriculture education. When you look at programs throughout the state, teachers are the reason their program and students are successful. Other CTE sectors really need to model the teacher-educator programs we have to ensure the fate of CTE programs is a successful one. Kids leave agriculture programs and want to become agriculture teachers, that’s just not the same in other classes like culinary and construction. But we cannot continue to offer CTE programs in California without more teachers getting CTE credentials. CTE programs need to build the infrastructure to attract kids not just to the trade but also to the classroom. If you don’t have students that want to do what you do, unfortunately you might not be doing it right… 

Success breeds success...

Passion for a job breeds passion for a job... 

Continuing education breeds life long learners...

Creating Future Friends...

Yesterday, I attended a Celebration of Life for a man that was so kind, humble and who loved Haiku's (which I didn't know until yesterday). While at the event, I saw many people who were my elementary school teachers, and sat with a long-time friend and her mother. While talking about the tributes spoken, my friend turned and said, "do you think it's weird, we are friends with out 2nd grade teacher?" "do you think years from now, your current students will be your friends?".

She was referring to Nan Carder, who just had given a tribute, and was our 2nd grade teacher (and the love of the man whom had passed). Her questions really got my wheels turning to write and reflect on all the amazing teachers I was fortunate to have, especially in elementary school and high school.

Nan, or Mrs. Carder-- which is what I still call her, is without a doubt one of the most amazing teachers I ever had. Memories of daily activities, from 2nd grade, are few and far in between. But there are a couple things that will stick with me forever about 2nd grade and my amazing teacher. First, she was always in tow with a coke. This told me early on that to be a teacher, caffeine would always be a necessity (and potentially an accessory). She also had the most distinct and perfect handwriting--I personally just always appreciate nice handwriting (especially now that I'm a teacher). I remember she did this Star Student thing, I don't remember what it meant or what we were able to do because we were the Star, but it seemed special. We got a scrapbook-type book she made and I feel like I waited the entire year to be the Star! The other big thing was Mrs. Carder was dubbed as the "Field Trip Queen", by many. I remember all of the trips, most of which my mother drove on because she basically drove a red tank as a car. A few years ago, after I had been teaching a couple years, Mrs. Carder told me that she thought maybe I had taken over the title of Field Trip Queen with all our FFA trips. Now, I wasn't placed in her class on accident, she was one of the mother's friends so I know my mother did what she needed to make sure I was in her class. They had been friends, played in the same bunko group and my older brother and her sons were friends too.

Nan is someone who throughout my life, I have always maintained contact with. Now more so with Facebook, as she has turned her former field trips into amazing adventures traveling anywhere and everywhere. Sitting and talking with my friend today, she reminded me that we now as adults are friends with our 2nd grade teacher. Seems kind of funny, but it got me thinking that we should all strive to be that kind of teacher. Regardless of grade level, we should all teach as if our students are going to be our forever friends. Now, I'm not saying be our students friends-- no no not that.

Instead, teach them to find passion and be good people. Support them through their hardships, while still expecting them to do their part. Teach them right from wrong, so they can develop their moral ground. If we teach and treat all our students as if someday they will be our friends, what would we do differently? How can we contribute to making them good people-- people we would be proud to be friends with?

I feel blessed to be friends with someone who was my 2nd grade teacher. I think she was always one of my first inspirations to be a teacher. For a long time, I thought I would be a 2nd grade teacher too-- until I took Ag and figured out I could connect my passion and hobbies into one thing and make it a career.

Haiku for John F.:

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!

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

That Admin life...

Last week I went to a Mentoring Conference hosted by CATA and UC Davis (I think?) for Ag teachers. One of the workshops I participated in was related to what else you could do/become beyond the classroom. There was a Community College educator, a school administrator, and a teacher with a PhD giving the workshop. They had really interesting perspectives on what other things Ag teachers could do beside be in the classroom.

Now this might sound rude but.... We are struggling to find Ag teachers all over the state, so why would we want any decent one to be lost to other careers? Especially ones that are not in the classroom, like administration?? Community Colleges? Sure yeah okay, teach agriculture at a higher level, sounds good... But become a principal, vice principal, anything remotely close to that? Heck no, no thanks, never in a million years!

Last night, we had our Sonoma Section CATA Administrator & Supporter Night. It is basically a dinner to thank admin, counselors, district staff, boosters and advisory members. I think our section does a fairly decent job with hosting the event because they always find great presenters for a discussion/education portion of the evening. However, after sitting through this dinner, all I could think was I cannot believe we have to present about the importance of agriculture education and CTE (Career & Technical Education), year after year... Isn't it obvious?

I think it is sad honestly. One of the comments during the discussion was, "you (meaning admin) would never be at this type of event with your math department, or your special ed department". How true is that?! I mean seriously? Since I always take my token English teacher to events like this, I asked her what she thought. As always for her, attending "Ag things" gets her jazzed because they do not do things in regular education like we do in Ag education. Rarely, if ever, do English teachers from multiple schools in the county, get together to catch up, hangout or have meetings... But in Ag we do!

So it begs the question, why would someone go into administration? To make things better? Give their opinion? Stand up for a specific demographic? Make a difference?

YOU can do that as a teacher!!! Hello people!

Ag Education is a rare, wild, tenacious, and energetic beast. But it also fights for kids, teaches real skill, makes public speakers, encourages academics, and changes lives. Being an Ag teacher allows me to watch kids change so much! Sometimes overnight, sometimes over four years. But the change is inevitable. I'm not sure administrator can say the same about their job. Which makes me sad for them. They have to worry about all these balls in the air and rarely have the opportunity to appreciate one program over another, let alone specific students.

Ag kids are the coolest kids. No matter the school, district, or region, Ag kids understand how to be productive. We need more kids like that. I wish administration could say the same about every program on campus.

This sums up Ag education perfectly...

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." Martin Luther King, Jr.

These are what cool kids look like! Give kids purpose and watch all the amazing things they do in and outside the classroom!

Never ending fight...

I vividly remember sitting with my high school counselor in her office towards the end of my freshman year. I was about to schedule my classes for the next year. It was a pretty exciting time as I would no longer be a weird freshman (well partly correct). I had already been elected as an FFA officer-- the reporter actually, which may be why it remains my favorite office, who doesn't love being stationed by the flag???

I had already selected classes I wanted on my paper schedule, now all my counselor needed to say was "looks good thanks!" Unfortunately, she looked at my paper, looked and me and blurted out, "you know if you take this class, you won't be on our track for college, so I won't counsel you to be college prep anymore". The class she was referring to was my Ag class. I replied that it was fine and she took a red pen and crossed out my name on her "college prep" list in her scheduling binder. From that day on, she never met with me again to schedule classes. I continued to fill out the papers each year so that I would have all the requirements for a CSU-- by myself. When other kids in my classes got call slips for scheduling, I just dropped off my paper schedule in the office.

Having someone completely ignore my existence for taking a different path than she thought I should, did not hurt my feelings. It really shaped my high school experience, because I knew that not only did other kids think Ag was lame, but adults did too. I think that is one of the reasons I enjoyed college so much? Yes, college life is good but I think I enjoyed the experience because I was around people who had the same appreciation for agriculture that I do. I felt empowered by going to college because I was simply around people who were like me... Well had the same interests, anyway.

I very much appreciate my high school experience because it taught me that if I wanted something, I had to work for it to make it happen. I wanted to go straight to a CSU and therefore, I had to make it happen because I loved agriculture and no adult at my school understood that I could have my cake and eat it too!

I think I had forgotten the subconscious fight I had while in high school? I had forgotten that some people just don't get that agriculture classes are important? I had forgotten that not everyone values people who work hard within the agriculture industry? Until recently. It's an interesting thing to work diligently through high school, then college and even grad school to then have someone tell you that none of it matters. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I know I do a good job for myself and my students. If you disagree-- please stop reading my blog lol.

People forget that every person who attends high school is going to have some impact on our community. Good or bad, high school teachers have the ability to put some pressure on kids to make sure it's a good impact. That is the hope right? Making kids into community minded citizens who will contribute? By not providing different outlets for kids to find what they are good at, we will stifle communities. If we make every kid do the exact same thing and take the exact same classes, some will always feel like they are not good enough. They will live the rest of their life thinking it too. But if kids find out what they are interested in and excel at it, why should we cross their name off the list? Just because it doesn't fit into the cookie cutter mold? Last time I checked, plumbers don't go to a 4 year college, yet they are successful community members whose work is important.

My question is... Why do people who go to school for long periods of time think they are so smart? Now, don't get me wrong, I got my Master's-- but just because I took some classes and wrote a paper doesn't mean I am smarter than a teacher that didn't??? I think anyone who puts in the time to get experience working, is way more knowledgeable than someone who didn't. They understand the process more than a person who learned about it in a classroom. Takes me back to part of the FFA motto, "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn..." If teachers, administrators, everyone and anyone took that approach, we might start being successful in the grand scheme of life. We need more people who are learning to work, more learning to be good people, more who want to succeed and more who have dreams.

One of the things I am certain of... Every kid is innately good, it's the processes and influences that change that. Every kid has more potential than they are ever given credit for because some adult somewhere, doesn't recognize it. Get to know kids, do what's best for them to help them succeed! Pretty simple.

These are the reasons I love my job, regardless of someone else's opinion of my qualifications...

The purpose of the classroom...

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

The more time I spend in the classroom, the more I become a critic of basic fundamentals of traditional classroom skills like testing. That in itself, is a frustrating statement... "Skills like testing"

Now, growing up I was not a star student, not the valedictorian, not a 4.0 kid (okay one semester I was). But there were so many experiences in high school that taught me the value of education. I learned very early on that I was not a test taker. No matter the time I spent studying, whether 4 hours or 40 minutes, I more often than not, ended up with a C. Because of this realization, I spent many hours completing homework to balance out that C or D average from my test scores. This was the only way I could guarantee (most of the time), a B in the class. Occasionally, I got lucky and managed to squeak out an A but this was less typical. This trend also continued in college, although I found smarter friends (thanks Joe, Kristen, Amber, Brittany) that helped me study in true study groups (occasionally drinking groups). 

Now that I am a teacher, I feel like I have subconsciously minimized the amount of tests I give. I watch each year as students freak out over studying for finals. I don't envy them at all. While there are many careers that have high stress moments, rarely are you going to go into a career that requires final exams. Because of this, I feel like projects are a better representation of student's commitment and follow through, while being a better example of something they might do again in their life. Many careers have presentations to bosses or meetings with clients-- this could be someone's future. Giving kids the freedom to decide on their tailored project, gives them a way to meet the goals while making it personalized. Adding that bit of character to their project, shouldn't that be the goal of education? Who cares if kids can take tests if they are not going to take real tests in life? Now I know, life tests us all but I mean pen and paper or pencil and scantron type tests... 

Do we really care if a student can pass a content specific test in 100 minutes? Shouldn't we care more that a student took time out of their day to research, compile information and figure out how to convey a message to a group peers? Doesn't that teach them more about themselves? Presenting to peers is the hardest test most high school students have... Talking for 8 minutes to the class, is rough for many... Vulnerability during a presentation teaches a kid not only about themselves but the audience also learns compassion and acceptance. Isn't this what we want kids to learn?? How to be better adults? How to work with others? 

While I think content is important (hello I am a teacher), I think the methods are just as important for teaching life skills. So many of our kids will end up with jobs outside their specific interests. But, if we are using content to teach methods, we win. Things like using computers, which shockingly many high school kids cannot do, to creating a collage, canning a jar of jam, programming a scrolling digital sign (sorry Mr. Davis, I can never remember their technical name) are all skills that kids can take beyond the classroom. 

At the same time, giving every kid the same type of test and using it as a factor of learning or proficiency in a content area is just not my cup of tea. This might be my skewed perception based on being one of the first in my immediate family to complete college. However, my education does not translate to being able to be skilled in any area. My mom did not finish college, yet she is the leader of an entire office of people-- some with education far beyond hers. Yet, she has worked at her job for 35+ years and has more first hand knowledge and experience than anyone they could hire at her office. She leads others, handles people, files reports, and works in a professional manner. How many people can say that? Rarely can a recent high school or college graduate come close. While her job may not be a dream to many, that is what we need to teach kids-- it's not always a dream but such is life. Do your job, do a good job, show up everyday... It will lead to success.

We are not doing our due diligence to educate students in high school to be individuals with the dedication and professionalism to be part of the adult workforce, We need more kids that work hard, more creativity, more professionalism, more dedication, more follow through, more compassion, more drive... Do tests teach that? 

High school should be about learning life skills with basic content knowledge and college and careers should be about content or specific areas of study. We have become so consumed with kids getting a jump start to get into college, it starts as early as pre-school. Kids can barely wipe by themselves yet we are worried about sending them in the right path and blah blah blah. 

If we focus on making them better people, learning about how the world works, avoiding temptations, doing more for others than themselves, being committed to something and dedication, they will find the right path without being shoved. 

Final project presentations of life maps...

From being a rodeo groupie as a kid to wanting to be a physicians assistant... Such a fun way to show a life map-- layers of clothes!

Hannah Mae reports... This kid is the next Amy G! 

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!