Constant Struggle of Quantity vs. Quality

Being at the CATA Summer Conference this week, just like each summer, allows me to reflect on the past year keeping the future in mind. 

Without a doubt, this has been one of the most rewarding years in my career. While it's been short, my career hasn't been without challenges. But I've maintained the mindset that I love my kids and if I'm not pushing myself to do better, I cannot ask the same of them. 

In April (and for a few months leading up to it), I experienced something I had never done before. I had a student run for State Office. Now, this was not only a challenge for me as a teacher, but it was unchartered territory for anyone in my chapter and community. I am not entirely sure how teachers have state officer candidates every year. Fortunately, I surrounded myself and my student with some of "the best in the business" to help her feel prepared. It was the most emotional and mentally grueling process and I DIDNT EVEN DO ANYTHING. 

We train our students to be remarkable. Plain and simple. I'm still not quite sure how my student handled the process so professionally, when at the end of the day-- she's a kid. I think that is one  of the parts of agriculture education that gets overlooked by some-- these are kids. But, these are extradorinary kids. We push, raise the bar and occasionally have unrealistic expectations of "our kids". 

The thing I've reflected on the past few days that has weighed heavy on my mind, has been what makes us successful, as agriculture education and FFA programs? Who determines how and why we are successful? Is it the numbers? Is it the championships? Is it the community involvement? Is it the recognition? Is it who laughs the most (I think this should be measured-- because we'd win). Although I have no answers to any of these questions, I am most certain that it is the lives changed and the constant balance of quality and quantity. 

As a profession, we need to reach all our kids to make a difference but we need to find those kids with endless potential and push harder. Does this mean that all kids don't have potential? Uh heck no-- but we need to open doors of possibility to as many kids as possible. Do we have to have a state officer to be successful?? Maybe for some you do. But I've decided that looking at my crop of seniors this year-- I was lucky enough to open doors for them and assist them with finding their passion, plan their futures and help them be as successful as they could during high school. 

Do I have a state officer? Nope. Do I have some extraordinary kids? Hell yes. I know that everyone judges success different but at the end of the day, we need to find the balance of high quality kids and their involvement with reaching the masses to make sure we are impacting more kids and their futures. 

Agriculture education is a family. Working together to serve kids and help them be and do better is one of our most important jobs. One of the speakers during the conference made the comment that we need to be "infusing the culture into the next generation". Our culture should be one of teamwork, high expectations, family and hard work. That's what we need to perpetuate to our kids so they know they are successful if they are working to always be better.

Some of my kids who do extraordinary work and have limitless potential as they leave high school for bigger goals and dreams. 

The only way you'll earn $500/hour

I just had the esteemed honor of presenting scholarships at the local high school tonight. 

Again this year, I can't help but be frustrated as a I walk away at the conclusion of the evening. While there were a few significant improvements from last year, there's one big thing that weighs heavily on my mind. 

Why aren't kids applying for scholarships?! Like really!!! I'm not just saying this as a current teacher, but I am saying this as a former scholarship winner. I worked diligently my senior year to literally fill out every scholarship application so that I could maybe sorta kinda qualify for. I just sat through a two hour presentation of scholarships awarding more than 150 individual scholarships, yet the names called were the same ones over and over. 

Now I don't want to discount the hard work, good grades, and years of homework that these students completed but this begs the question of where the heck are the other 350 kids in the senior class?? What are we as educators, and we as schools, not doing? What are we doing that discourages or doesn't encourage all students to fill out these scholarship applications??

There are definitely the top of the class, high achieving, highly intelligent students applying for scholarships. There's also the other extreme of students, who come from nothing, and have nothing that are being pushed to fill out applications because they are involved with various programs or clubs. What about the in between? What about the average kids with average grades and average dreams? 

Who is pushing them? Anyone? There's one thing I've learned as a teacher-- don't ever discount someone because they don't shoot for the moon. Just because someone doesn't want to be an orthopedic surgeon, doesn't mean they are less deserving of a scholarship. Being realistic is actually refreshing!

High school isn't easy, but applying for scholarships is 90% of the battle senior year. Parents that let their kids float through school are doing them a disservice. People are begging to give free money to high school kids. Push your kids!! Even if grades aren't perfect, community service is lacking, or they aren't atheletes. Push! Teachers and schools can only do so much, but the kids have to have the initiative to check the scholarship board (daily!). 

I was able to hand out four $1000 scholarships with absolutely no requirements. No gpa, no service, no religion, no family heritage, no nothing required. It's quite possibly one of the easiest scholarships to apply for and yet students don't apply. I'm not sure what the answer is but it has to be a combination of kid, teachers, schools and parents pushing. 

"Knowledge is the eye of desire and can become the pilot of the soul."

There is a scholarship for every student. Just apply!

Some of my kids in Htown who received scholarships... A combination of good kids, parents who pushed, an open career center and teachers who care...

May.... I have some more time...

May....

May, I have some more time....

Does that ever happen to you? It's mid-May and I feel like I've run out of time to do anything. Time for school, time for fair, time for anything that requires thought or planning.

I am running on fumes. We have our fair next week and things are going haywire!! No, really... I have 35 kids showing a bazillion different species. It really is a fun experience because the fair is unique, small and so supported by the community.

So fair is next week, then we have "dead week", then the following week is finals and we are done. While I am pretty pumped to be done with this school year, I can't say I am ready for the weeks following. Following school, I have our officer retreat, then CATA Summer Conference, then State Fair, then County Fair. It's a never ending list of calendar dates that I am slave to.

It's funny though... I follow a group on Facebook for Ag teachers, where people post questions or seek ideas about FFA, livestock, curriculum, officer things, etc. Not too long ago, I read a post from a teacher who had lost their "spark" and questioned their choice to continue being an agriculture teacher. Everyone commented tips and tricks of how to maintain the spark, along with others who know her commending the great work they see that she does. It made me think... Everyone always tells me they don't know how I do it, or how I have the energy I do, but in reality, every person who becomes an Ag teacher has the potential to give 150%. We choose when we want to give that and when we would rather conserve that energy for another time.

Some days are harder than others to choose. When we would rather be with family, or get drinks with friends after work, or do anything else-- Ag teachers choose to do a project visit, catch up on grading, work on a new class, or plan an officer retreat. This never ending choice is why people lose their spark. I hear more and more about Ag teachers moving to other careers or even move up into the district performing new jobs. But it's because we have allowed ourselves to make poor choices. We have chosen our "kids" over other areas of life (for some even over their own kids). Finding balance in our choices and accepting our choices is the key. We cannot constantly give 150%, choosing school over everything else and then resent our choices. WE CHOOSE! It's simple... CHOOSE BETTER!

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility." Eleanor Roosevelt

Whenever I feel myself, starting to feel "less sparky", I peruse the last few years of pictures... It reminds me of why I choose them...

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 

It takes a village

The past few weeks have been some of the most rewarding in my short career. Kids are going on educational tours, winning awards, being recognized for their dedication, and representing our FFA chapter in the most positive way. 

I feel like everywhere I have been lately someone is congratulating me and my kids on a job well done. While I'm not a big fan of being in the spotlight, I do love helping my kids get there. From proficiencies to conferences, and state officer candidacy to CDE practices, my kids have been killin' it. Although I make sure to humble them on a daily basis, I couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments, except their dedication and hard work is really what's paying off. They are finally seeing that the time invested is what gets them closer to achieving their goals. Nothing is promised or guaranteed, which means busting their butts is inevitable. 

At the same time, I feel so fortunate to have so many fellow Ag teachers in the state that I can call for help and advice. Rarely when one of my kids does well, is it just me and that kid putting in time. More often than not, I've talked to, emailed, or texted, one or more Ag teachers to get their help. Frequently, people tell me they think it's so hard to be a single person department, but in reality I'm not. Some days it's more like a 10+ person department, just via phone and computer. 

Speeches, resumes, proficiencies, interviews, applications, conferences, etc. It takes a village to make sure they're ready to go. I tell my kids constantly, I will help them reach their goals best I can, not because I know anything, but because I know the right people to call for help. 

That's one of my best pieces of advice for a new teacher or single person department. Find friends who are better than you and don't be afraid to call them for help. Because it's not about being the best yourself, but making your kids the best they can be. 

Kids at the State Capitol during SLE

Bee Tour at UC Davis

Sectional Speaking Contest 

FFA week

Purpose....

General education teachers... They are great!
But some days I worry about their general understanding of the importance of student leadership organizations.

For the past three days I have been at the Educating for Careers conference in Sacramento. Multiple workshops were related to student leadership organizations. Now, I'm obviously very partial to FFA, but there are others like SkillsUSA that seem to be very purposeful and effective as well. The weirdness has been from the teachers in the workshops and their questions during them. It is amazing some of the questions people ask about why we need these organizations and if they actually impact our pathway. People just don't get it, they seem oblivious to the benefits of student leadership.

Apparently, I have taken it for granted because its completely ridiculous to me, to teach without built in student leadership. Is it easier to teach with students who take ownership, or to ask to do more? Uhhhh hello, of course it is!!! Does it occasionally require more work outside of class time for a teacher? Yep! But impacting kids and giving them the opportunity to take ownership and experience student leadership is invaluable, Money can't buy that...

The day prior to this conference, I took students to the UC Davis Field Day. Now, by no fault of theirs, I messed up registration. I am definitely not proud of this and when I told the kids my story, they laughed at me (thankfully). Instead of saying forget it, lets sleep in, THEY asked if we could still go and see what the campus had to offer. When kids offer to get up early, wear a uniform and want to tour a college... You say yes! We went and ended up touring and even attended a workshop at their Bee Facility. It was awesome! They learned about a new industry and one was even inspired to start planning her next agriscience project. This day did not go as planned, but it actually turned out better than I could have planned. That is the purpose of a student leadership organization.

It's the buy-in
It's the dedication
It's the inspiration to do more
It's the teamwork
It's the consideration for others
It's the drive to be successful
It's the fun days
It's the hard days
That's the purpose...


"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." Mario Andretti

Bees Wax! 

They are my purpose...