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 good things...

Last week, I had a student bring me her "packet" of information for writing a letter of recommendation. Our school provides a handout with primarily questions for students so they can give teachers information before simply asking for a letter. Most students include a resume and a parent "brag" sheet, also provided by the school.

While, I knew this student would most likely ask for a letter of recommendation, I didn't realize she would bring me a 10 page packet of information. The funny part is, I could probably write her a 3 page letter of recommendation without any packet. I have gotten to know her well over the last 3 years and have so many experiences that I could reference to give her a shining letter. I reminded her when she handed me the giant packet that she only gets one page and I would do my best to condense her experiences and growth to that.

After, Emma asked me twice if I read her packet, I figured I probably should get started. She said she was especially proud of her personal statement that was included. Below is what she wrote:

"Growing up on a modest, four acre farm with various chores ranging from feeding my sheep, to watering our fruit trees, I can always relate situations back to life’s common scenes. I see my various sized sheep saundering throughout the pasture carelessly, and my border collie, Woody, herd them into the locked barn every night, like a shepherd. 

I too am a border collie, in every sense of its nature; a guide dog, if you will. I understand the importance of having a shepherd, a guide, a leader and have witnessed the chaos that is caused by the absence of one. When I see sheep aimlessly wandering, whether it be on the soccer field, my school’s hallways, or in my FFA chapter, I refuse to be passive. Much like Woody, I thrive in this position. I have a passion for service, and consequently I find myself holding positions of leadership in just about every aspect of my life. 

I have an inborn fondness for structure, and I believe that there are benefits and opportunities to reap from living life with purpose. I know that every great structure has a foundation, or a leader, and without one, it becomes weak. I have seen first hand the monumental amounts of positive change in a structure because the foundation has been changed and fortified. For example, my freshman year when I first joined my high school’s FFA program, it was just two months after the school year started that my teacher quit. That entire year was a jumbled mess because we had substitutes and volunteers advising our FFA chapter, and had no solid foundation. After recognizing the need for leadership in my chapter, I decided to run for office and was elected Vice President which left me in charge of reviving my chapter’s committees and breathing drive back into the members. Finally, after a long interview process, my high school hired a new full time Agriculture teacher. She immediately hit the ground running, and replaced our makeshift foundation with dedication, hard work, and leadership. I personally witnessed one person’s leadership take a practically non existent chapter, to be state recognized the following year and was able to share that experience along side her. 

Over this last year, I realized that my purpose is to serve my teammates, classmates, and members just like Woody serves my sheep: selflessly and passionately. I have learned that putting others before myself is rewarding and that my efforts and energy are contagious, just like my Ag teacher’s leadership inspired me. I believe leadership is influence and I aspire to instill fervor into those around me. I intend to pursue Law, where I can combine my passions for agriculture and advocacy into a career that promotes initiative and leadership in my community. Using the servant leadership Woody demonstrates as my foundation, I desire to serve as a catalyst in my community, tackling new ideas, cultivating change, and harmonizing the best interests of many."

I was so humbled that she wrote a little about me. It was such a positive reminder that the daily frustrations are eliminated when students (and myself) focus on potential and total growth. High school isn't about the tests taken or the assignments turned in, but the experiences and growth that teenagers go through. While Emma talks about the transformation of the chapter, I have witnessed the transformation of her. She is one of those kids that will leave high school and constantly strive for more and better. She will make a difference in the her community because of the passion and purpose that drives her.

She is right about many things in her statement, but my favorite is "Leadership is influence". Influence to do more, be more and serve more. Who you influence and how you influence people are lasting impressions...

Some of the many experiences, we've had the past 3 years...

 2, soon to be 3 National Conventions...

 A lot of food!

 More food, more importantly silliness even when things don't go our way

More fun...

 Success...

 Recognition!

This is quiet possibly my favorite picture of Emma...

It shows her "fierceness"!

This picture is a compilation of hard work, dedication, intensity and drive to succeed

Wednesday Wisdom

"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning."

Benjamin Franklin

While at the State FFA Conference this past weekend, I realized a quote like this has never been so true. I have never been so proud of a group of students. As a whole they really worked together, supported each other and were open minded to the new experiences.

I have talked about the summer I was first hired (read my last post), and how I took the officers on a day trip to San Francisco's Botanical Gardens. We spent the day creating goals, talking about growth and changes. One thing that I will never forget was the common goal that they no longer wanted to be a "joke" in the eyes of the section. They had felt so defeated by previous competitions and teachers that they were pretty much at rock bottom.

Over the past two years, I have had this overwhelming feeling that I need to compensate for their rough start in the FFA. Because at the end of the day, I want each of my kids to feel like they had a positive experience no matter how involved they were. So I pushed, prodded and practiced them until they thought I was crazy (well I am so....). This weekend many of those original goal setters, were pleasantly surprised and grateful for the success and achievements they received.

We had such an awe-inspiring four days in Fresno. I am so proud to say I had a student (or two) recognized on stage every day. That's huge for us....

However, there were some disappointments. My two speakers didn't make it to the semi-finals, my proficiency kids didn't win the state title and my CDE teams were not as polished as they should have been. While speaking with one of my kids about how he was disappointed with not winning his proficiency, I tried to remind him about all the growth him, and the chapter had gone through since his freshman year. He quickly came to the realization that never in his dreams did he think he'd even be on the state stage during his FFA career. He was recognized three times this year for his work--once for being our region's Star in Ag Placement, once for his Dairy proficiency and lastly, for his work as a Committee Chair.

This is big stuff... While I know he wished he would have done better, I couldn't be more excited for him. For a student who always wanted to be involved, but had no real clue, to now reading committee reports on a stage in front of 5,000 FFA members-- "He's kinda a big deal"

The growth that my kids have gone through in the last two years has been tremendous. Mostly because they are always working towards my lofty expectations. But more importantly, they are now creating their own high expectations... They no longer feel that they are a "joke", they are working towards making an impact on themselves, their fellow FFA members and now even on a bigger scale. Leadership at it's finest folks!
Success breeds success!
Getting kids to see not only their potential, but to recognize potential in others...

It makes my heart happy... I love my little boogers! Even when they make me crazy!

State Star in Agriscience!!! 

State Webpage Award Winner!!

Helping campaign for Steven!! 

They are just so stinkin cute!

Serious Success

My first summer at Healdsburg I took five of the seven FFA officers to a day retreat in San Francisco at the botanical gardens. They spent  some of the day planning, creating goals, and working on a reflection of what worked previously and what they would like to do different. 

A common theme, among all of them was that they wanted to be taken more seriously on the sectional and regional level. They each had individual plans for how they thought that should happen, but having never been extremely successful themselves, they were so unsure about how to get there. 

Weren't they cute?! They look so tiny...

I figured out very early on, that the important thing for these kids was going to be figuring out how to make them the most successful in the shortest period of time. I decided that making them better leaders, more professional at events, and amping up their SAE's would be the quickest way to help them. Which would then allow them to seek out leadership positions in the section and region, while being recognized for their efforts with state degrees and proficiencies. 

I would really like to say it's been easy! It definitely hasn't... There has been a lot of paperwork, a lot of late nights, a lot of early mornings, a few tears, some arguing, and countless signatures (those damn applications). 

Seeing a kid's potential and pushing them just enough for them to realize that they can do it, is difficult. There's a fine line between pushing so they see their own potential and pushing them so far it creates resentment. Sometimes I still lose sight of this, and I have to stop, backup and reevaluate. 

Bottom line:

I want them to push themselves, 

I want them to be successful, 

I want them to be well-liked, 

I want them to be professional, 

I want them to be passionate, 

I want them to gain life skills, 

I want them to want it.

Last Saturday at our North Coast Spring Regional Meeting and State Degree Ceremony, my hopes and their hardwork came to fruition. The last two years of hardwork paid of... For me and for them.

My most proud moment was after we had collected 3 regional proficiencies (2 state finalists), regional star administrator, 2 state finalist speakers, 2nd place program of activities, and 6 state degrees... Both of my students slated for regional office were elected!! 

It was a great day for Healdsburg FFA, as a program, for the students individually and for me too (I know, slightly selfish). And the reason I feel like the day was so successful was not because of the ribbons, certificates, or plaques won... But because my kids finally felt like they had been taken seriously... That's a win all by itself! 

"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." -Vince Lombardi

They all were pretty awesome! And the looked sharp! 

State Degrees

Proficiencies

The 2015-2016 NC Regional Officer team (with my two kiddos!!)

4 boys and "Mom"

I recently read a Golden Slate article about FFA participation of boys and the lack of boys we have entering the Ag education profession. 

It was an interesting article, because I formally taught at a school that had minimal boy participation. So I completely understood when the article said, that since 1969, when girls were admitted into the FFA their participation has only increased. Awards, proficiencies, star farmers, etc. are now being won by primarily girls. 

The article also said that a lot of this had to do with maturity and development. It's a well-known fact that most girls mature faster than boys. So it's a lot easier to convince a freshman or sophomore girl to stand up and speak not only to classmates but community members. Now, for boys this might take until junior or senior year. 

This year, I had a large group of boys that were very determined to have a Farm Power CDE team. While, we don't have a shop or Ag mech, I said sure! Why not?! (Somedays I think I'm completely cookoo) I was nervous for starting a new team with primarily senior boys. I thought, Really? Should I waste my time? Is this really something they will invest time in? Can we be successful with no experience? Will they learn anything? 

The answer to all those questions is: YES! I have been so thoroughly impressed with these boys! They come to practice, they try hard, they are dedicated and they have fun! We might not win every contest (or any) and we might not all have great test taking skills but we've got heart. 

It's taken until senior year (except 1 sophomore) for these boys to find their spot in the FFA. They have found something to be passionate about. We are headed to the first field day of the season tomorrow and I am so excited for them!! I got them new clipboards, pencils, and steno pads. I've written their good luck letters (I know, cheesy) that they'll open on the road tomorrow morning. I think they are ready! 

One thing I've learned is... The unexpected can be amazing! I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to coach a group of boys that NEEDED this team. I have also learned, trips with boys are VERY different than those with girls. We mostly discuss food, bowel movements (boys are gross!), trucks, motorcycles and which girls are on their minds-- like I said very different than girl trips!

While girls might be in the lead in many areas of FFA, boys are unstoppable when they "figure it out" and find their spot...

I love my boys... Even when they all think it's funny to call "mom" in public places. Crazy kids!!! 

At least practices are fun!

Time = Rewards

So I have just finished entering all my students fair entries online... I have these neat folders that have labels with the kids, their species, tag numbers and a checklist for all the crazy items we have to submit hard copies of. Entering online was the easiest part of collecting, checking and signing all the paperwork. I calculated the number of times I signed my name... 127 effing times!!! REDONKULOUS! I need to get a stamp or something...

In the process of entering all of them, I thought about each kid, their animal and the project visits I did during spring break. It's amazing how well some of my kids care for their animals. I can honestly say I was impressed with most of them. While all of them maintain pretty nice pens and feed them show feed, not all of them spend the extra time with their animals. Don't get me wrong, they take excellent care of them! But I mean like the sit in your pen and do homework kind of time, that really builds the bond with their animal.

I was able to hangout at one families place for clipping cattle yesterday. The amount of time these kids spend with their animals is impressive. While raising steers take true dedication and is a huge time investment, these kids have other animals also. Now, I don't expect for all my students to make their SAE project their life, but I do expect them to spend the time to build a bond that is evident in the show ring. And contrary to what my students think, every time I visit them they make it incredibly obvious who walks, works and spends time with their animals. I have one swine kid who is a senior, never been in FFA or raised any animals, lives in town and he is doing the best job of any kid I have watched since becoming a teacher. He pays attention, notices changes, asks questions, does what he's told, walks, feeds and spends time with them. I wish I had 20 of this kid. He truly cares and WANTS to do a good job.

When kids spend the time... It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see it...

So that brings me to the why... Why do kids do it if they don't care? If you aren't going to put in the time, then why? Because I guarantee if you don't put in the time, the show ring will not be a smooth ride. Unfortunately, the kids I have, have a very supportive community that spends an A$$ load of money at their auction. This is a great thing, don't get me wrong. But this is when I wish that buyers would come to the shows, watch the kids, buy based on dedication not last name, age or just for the hell of it. Because at the end of the day, they are buying a product-- a meat product-- that as far as I'm concerned better be the best damn piece of meat they've ever had because it was raised right!

Creating that awareness with students has been kind of a struggle. Making them understand that they are creating a product, for someone else and if that product is not of superior quality then those consumers will not return the next year. I try to explain to all of the kids that raising animals is not easy and it takes time. It is a living, breathing thing that depends on us for a good life before it becomes a product for us. It is important that we treat it with the utmost care while it's here....

Personally, that's why I love breeding animal projects. The kids with breeding animal projects GET IT. They understand they day in, day out feeding, care, management, time investment and what not. They know those animals rely on them for everything. Unfortunately, I only have about 5 kids with breeding projects... Project Competition is coming up so fingers crossed for those kids to be able to talk about their projects and all the time and work they put in. Don't worry I'll be making them practice till they hate me ;)

Changing the culture of a group of high school students takes time... But I see the changes everyday. And that makes me warm and fuzzy on the inside... Knowing these kids are making progress away from their bad habits reminds me I am doing my job...

My kids attitudes prior to my arrival... HAHAHA

 

We're getting closer to this now....

I think some get a little tired??? lol

Some PJ's and coffee...

Today is what you would call a...... Lazy day? Couch day? PJ day? Do absolutely nothing day?

Whatever it may be, for me it's a complete day of doing nothing. This last week has been absolutely nuts... From daily FFA activities and dress-up days to preparing speakers and regional officer candidates, I am completely exhausted!!! It was extremely successful week but at the same time when you have so many things going on there's bound to be fights, disagreements, upsets, sometimes tears. To say I'm proud of all of my students for their participation and dedication this week is an understatement. 

I mean let's be real I'm not a walk in the park but I tell my kids all the time that I would never ask them to do something that I wouldn't do myself and I would never ask them to do something that they are not capable of. After a couple conversations with various people I've decided that it best not to focus on the win. It's not about the ribbons, the plaques or the announcement of names. It's about the growth process to get you to a point. Teaching kids to work hard, put in the time and practice is my favorite part of being an Ag teacher.

Having moved from a school with three teachers, to a new school and being by myself, this year, I have had to learn what to pick and choose as priorities. One thing I promised myself this year, was that I would never do something for them. The amount of potential my students have is unreal-- getting them to realize their potential has been the struggle. Teaching kids about that process of hard work and dedication has been the test for me. Taking kids who have never been successful in the blue jacket and helping make them successful has been the best part of this year. I feel so fortunate to be able to continue this journey with the students next year.  Although it's only February, I know that my students are learning every day that it's about the process to the win that matters...

This last week has been stressful and time consuming with LOTS of coffee. But if I don't put the time for them and give them my 100%, they won't do the same for me.  They know I'm invested in them and their success and that gives them the courage to try new things and RISK BOLDLY....

All the kiddos at the Sectional Speaking Contest

Some ribbons and plaques! Even they were surprised with their success...

Regional officer candidates! They weren't  slated but they learned a ton from the experience! So proud of them for putting themselves out there!

Word to your mother