Teacher Conferences

Currently, I'm in Sacramento for the Educating for Careers Conference for teachers. 

Now, I feel funny saying I have been to my fair share of conferences but I have... I feel like I spend many hours at both student and teacher conferences. Although this EFC conference is for CTE and pathways and academies, it's my first experience at conference not specifically for Ag Teachers. 

While there are many things going on that are great and positive, I whole heartedly think other teachers and presenters "don't have nothin' on us". I've never been one to think that Ag Teachers are the best teachers because I know some pretty awesome teachers who teach other subjects. But this conference has create a sense of awareness for me about teachers in other CTE areas. And in all honesty, it's not all that positive...

Ag teachers are a rare breed. They are dedicated, innovative, caring and tenacious. But we also know how to ask for help (well some lol), work with others and spend time creating new activities and lessons. 

It's been an interesting few days, being around 2700 other CTE and Academy teachers... Luckily I found a few familiar Ag teacher faces in the mix and I brought a few peeps from school. The biggest thing I have learned from the conference is that every presenter (with the exception of like 2), should have been in FFA. Public speaking is an important skill that you can't overdue, especially if you work for a government agency, school or business... Basically everyone I've met in the last few days needs the leadership skills that FFA provides... 

Atleast we have fun while they let us out...

In other news, it was my birthday Saturday... Pretty nice day... And what did I get myself for my birthday? Well a bunny, of course!!! A super cute Holland Lop Buck... I'm so excited to take him to school! Still working on a name... Look for his Instagram, he's bound to be famous... 

Isn't he cute?! 

It's the why...

Thursday night was our sectional Administrators and Supporters Night. Most of the schools in our section were represented with principals, vice principals, boosters, advisory members and even a couple of superintendents.

Our speakers were Jim Aschwanden and Hugh Mooney. While Ag teachers hear from these two quite often, most administrators rarely do. Both men talked about the current state of the state in regards to funding, CTE and agriculture education. Recently, Ag teachers in the state have had some pleasant news and have been able to breath a sigh of relief when funding is discussed. Among all things presented on Thursday, one thing that really stuck with me is when Jim began talking about the "why".

I have watched Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" and "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" which both go in detail about the "why" But Jim's explanation to administrators made it so real. He talked about a bulls-eye of three circles. The largest circle being WHAT, the second being HOW and the center of the bulls-eye being WHY.

Jim tried to explain how most administrators know what Ag teachers do... They teach right? (In addition to many other things) Some administrators understand the how of what Ag teachers do, including spending countless hours working with students outside of class time. His tip to administrators, was to find out why Ag teachers do what they do. For many Ag teachers, this is why we spend countless hours with students, why we are slaves to applications and fair animals, why we grade tests and speeches in any random place we can find, and why we drive for hours to any location just for a contest or meeting.

For me.... The why is something I think about on a regular basis. Sometimes it comes up early in the morning or late at night when I am scolding myself "WHY the eff am I doing this?!"

But more times than not, I am quickly reminded that my crazy kids are what keep me sane (and crazy) and keep me involved and constantly striving for more and better. High school kids in all their glory are without a doubt the greatest little humans and they are the reason WHY I do what I do. I wanted to become an Ag teacher, not because I had the best experience ever (it wasn't bad, but wasn't great), but more because I want my students to have the opportunities that I didn't have.

Administrators someday will learn about the why of Ag teachers... Because Ag teachers are a rare breed, for many reasons. You have to be more than a classroom teacher, it becomes your life. Being a teacher and learner everyday is ingrained in everything Ag teachers do.

I teach because of these hooligans... And because of the great things they are capable of... I teach to give them the opportunities that I didn't have...

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!

Class Reunion... Don't Save the Date

This summer marks, 10 years of being graduated from high school... Like with most classes, the Senior class officers from Class of 2005 are diligently working to prepare an event that I'm sure will be impressive and fun for those involved.

I will not be one of those involved. I am not entirely sure why, but I have grown to dislike the thought of getting back together with people I went to high school with.
Some of them were great people, others were... far from it. Currently, nothing about a high school reunion sounds appealing or fun.

While there were some parts of high school that I really enjoyed, like winning the Senior Econ Business Project with Katie & Ashley ("Cute Cakes" is still definitely a needed business in our town), or being a "loser" with Krystina and Melissa, or participating in Mock Trial with a whole group of hooligans fearlessly led by the amazing Mrs. Alto. The day to day, of high school where you were forced to interact with people in classes that you had no appreciation for, still haunts me. Mostly because people were rude...

This sort of sums up high school for me...

I was, the weird kid. No not the nerdy one, or the smart one, or the athletic one or the funny one (things have changed since high school based on my current level of humor). I was the weird kid that hung out with a small group of friends, most of which were older. On the weekends, we drove around town, wasted fuel, went wheeling on Cow Mountain and watched weird movies. We were not invited to the "cool kid" parties (although we laughed at your drunk pictures from MySpace) or included in "cool kid" stuff. Which has always been totally fine with me, as I never saw the point of being a "cool kid".

I was the weird kid that brought piglets to school, showed up in my FFA uniform before a contest, had my senior pictures with a pig, and never seemed dress quite right. I was not fashionable, funny or glamorous. I was real...

Going to a high school reunion seems so superficial to me. While I have never been to one, I feel like they are just a way for people to either show off what they have done since high school, or how they have changed since high school (hopefully for the better). Either way, I'm not really interested.

Facebook has helped me stay connected to people, that I actually care to see how they are doing. While I may have never been the popular kid, I did know a decent amount of people in high school from Ukiah and Redwood Valley, thanks to going to schools in different communities. I can see what these people are up to, the funny things their kids do or where they are traveling (kinda creepy if ya think about it). But besides these folks, I don't really care. It's a small number and that's okay... Because that's how high school was for me. A small number of decent people who make good choices. As for the rest of them, I'm good... No thanks!

I have talked with my parents extensively about my growing hatred towards these organized gatherings. I know they wish I would go, because some of their closest friends are old classmates, some they have reconnected with from reunions. However, that is because life before social media actually encouraged getting people together face to face for interaction.  But now? I feel like it's not necessary... At least not for another 10 years.

So.... I'll be skipping this year (and will be at State Fair instead)... Maybe I'll go to the next one... Maybe not!


Read this article about how Facebook is actually ruining class reunions:


Facebook: The Nemesis of Class Reunions

The Great Clothing Debate

What does a teacher wear? A dress? Slacks? Jeans? Gym shorts? Sweatshirts? Nice button up? Sweaters? Heels? Flats? Tennis shoes? Flip flops? 

Not sure about you but I've seen teachers in all of the above. So for me, I literally have a fight with the closet every Sunday! Yes I'm one of those strange OCD people who picks out my clothes for the whole week. Mostly because it minimizes my decision making in the morning which cuts down my morning time by probably 20 minutes. 

But the problem is... What the heck do I wear? Yep I'm a teacher, so a dress or slacks and a nice top are fairly typical. But then again, I'm an AG teacher, which means more than half of my day I'm outside. 

I have this internal debate every week. I want to look professional in the classroom for when people stop by my classroom or when I have meetings or even to set an example to students. But I also want to be practical, and ballet flats in the garden are the fastest way to ruin them. 

I can't forget about FFA and CATA events. The same question is still unanswered. While sometimes it is completely obvious that slacks or a dress are needed/expected, other times it's not. Field days, speaking contests or conferences, I see people in all sorts of get-ups. Is there a right way to dress as an advisor? 

I have had a teacher make a comment when I wore jeans to a speaking contest, and although I know he was joking (or so he says lol) it begs the question: what is right? 

I like to think after 5 years of teaching I've slightly figured it out. Well maybe not... I just know, I like slacks and flats but if given the option I'd rather be in boots and jeans any day of the week! 

So the great clothing debate continues...

Fairs= Defintely a jeans thing...

State Conference= Mostly slacks but some jeans too...

New Year, No Impressive Changes

While I may not be an uber optimistic person or Emily Post, when it comes to etiquette (although it's top 5 for my favorite books), I do think society has lost some of the good old fashioned traditions about being a decent person.

So my question is when did it become okay to just do whatever? Ya I get the whole "do what you want, do what makes you happy, do what moves you, etc". But when did it become okay to do any of the following? What is wrong with people?

• When did it become okay to...not RSVP to events, showers, weddings, etc?
• When did it become okay to...not work?
• When did it become okay to...be on welfare?
• When did it become okay to...not to stop at stop signs?
• When did it become okay to...have children and go out and party every weekend while your kids are home?
• When did it become okay to...wear pajamas in public places? For real, keep that crap at home
• When did it become okay to...bring your dog to the store? Ya know, Nordstroms, Safeway, etc. 
• When did it become okay to...not follow rules of any kind?
• When did it become okay to...not respect police or law enforcement of any kind?
• When did it become okay to...not help with anything when you were invited to be in a wedding party?
• When did it become okay to...not make your child's Halloween costume?
• When did it become okay to...play video games all day instead of work, have a hobby or anything really?
• When did it become okay to...judge people who produce your food, when you could have no hope of ever providing for yourself?
• When did it become okay to...not write a thank you card when you receive a gift or gesture? (No a Christmas card with a pre-printed thank you does not count)
• When did it become okay to...to sell any kind of product just so you can get it cheaper? Ya know have parties and beg friends to buy the crap-- I don't want it, can't afford it and don't need it
• When did it become okay to...not cook? If it started in a box, it doesn't count...
• When did it become okay to...get high just to get through the day? We all have issues... Work your shiz out some other way
• When did it become okay to...spend un-godly amounts of money on livestock, just so your kids can win? 
• When did it become okay to...have a reality TV show about literally anything?! NO ONE CARES
• When did it become okay to...expect something in return for doing community service or making a donation? You know what you get? A good feeling for doing something for someone other than yourself...
• When did it become okay to...let your children make the rules and never say no? They are children...
• When did it become okay to...become a "photographer" and charge people money, when you have no training or education?
• When did it become okay to...create a blog about nothing?? (HAHAHA guilty!)

Whether you agree or disagree, well that's up to you. But seriously consider what is wrong with society... Because none of this is okay...

Just remember, it's all in good fun!!

Most Hated Yet Rewarding Assignment on Campus

For the last three months my students have worked on a project (in addition to all their regular work) that has become the most hated yet rewarding assignment on campus. And I only say hated because they haven't finished it... 

The Agriscience project that I do with my all my classes is basically a science experiment on roids... No really, it's certifiably a crazy difficult project!! 

So what's the point? Why do I make my kids to a project that no one else does on campus? Why do I encourage them not to work with a best friend on the project? Why do the need to write a research paper?  

Um well short answer: Because they need it and I love it... 

Really though, a semester for doing agriscience projects is one of the most rewarding times that students spend in my class. Although I'm sure they might disagree currently, as their projects are due tomorrow.  The sigh of relief and accomplishment as they hand in the final paper is something unmatched. 

Seriously, the paper ends up being 12+ 

page research paper.  Students create a problem or question, set up an experimental design, conduct research, execute the experimental design, collect all the data and reach conclusions based on their findings. It's hard, it's complicated and yet they all survive!!! 

My favorite part about the project is the process. Watching kids who have never really conducted any research at the beginning of the semester, develop into kids that are thinking critically about agriculture and science, is amazing. They surprise themselves with how much they learn! And it's not just the research and data collection, they also learn how to use computers to their benefit, how to work together, how to read instructions, how to respond to feedback, how to take constructive criticism and how to ask questions in order to make their projects better. 

Now, there is usually some type of argument (between kids), crying and malfunction with spray glue at some point in the process but they all live to tell the stories. I love that the instructions and guidelines are the same yet for every student, yet they all create a different idea/project. Recently one of my students presented her project at the school board meeting and the board was shocked at the level of difficulty and inquiry type learning she had done with the project. Last week my VP, brought some admin from other schools into my class to show them the agriscience boards from last years projects. I love this because it just gives my Ag department, one more opportunity to be unique and stand out in a positive way. As my principal says, we're "moving away from cows and plows". While we are still learning about "cows and plows" in class, I love knowing that this project is raising the bar for my students.

I've recieved numerous texts, calls and emails this weekend from kids asking for clarification to make sure their project is perfect. At the end of the day, not all their projects will be A's but they will all be able to say they completed a project. 

Kids are finishing up papers tonight and we'll start display boards this week! I am giddy to watch them work together this week on their boards. 

I'd be lucky to have two division winners again in 2015... Fingers crossed!