It's been awhile... But back to school we go!

Welcome back to school! Every year I reflect back on prior students as new groups come busting into my classroom. I subbed a freshman Ag Bio class on Thursday and it really got me thinking...

You know those kids you get in class that make you want to rip your hair out on a daily basis??

Well this is about one of those kids.

Picture this, my first year at Healdsburg and one of my Ag Biology classes jacked full of kids I had been “warned” about. I rarely do seating charts, until the students “can’t handle sitting next to friends”. I tell them in the beginning of the year this is how our seating charts work. This class was mixed with freshman and sophomores, so the level of squirrely was especially high.

I think it was probably three weeks into the school year that this class got a seating chart. One of the main reasons, was a sophomore boy who repeated told me he never asked to be in my class, talking about his hair and shoes, and spent more time wandering the classroom, pretending to get tissues, than actually in his seat. Even when he was at his seat, he usually stood instead of sitting. So when I made the seating chart, I made sure to put him next to a freshman girl that seemed to have her stuff together as a student and would hopefully rub off on him (sorry Taylor).

All year, he tested my patience and gave me more grey hair than I can count, faster than I could highlight it. I encouraged him to get involved and attend conferences, even though the last thing I wanted to do was spend more time with him. But I figured he needed FFA and leadership in his life. The more he got involved, the more you could watch the spark in him. Following that first year, he actually signed up for an Ag class on his own. He even found a location to raise a market animal for the fair.

 Sometimes you just have to tell kids they are going to an event or conference... No option

I think his junior year was a true turning point. He had straightened out his grades, did his junior internship with a local vineyard management company, raised a goat for the fair and became super involved in FFA (with some constant pushing). Through his internship and keeping his goat at a local grape farmer’s house, you could see a sense of responsibility and ownership in something bigger than himself growing.

Senior year, he excelled at school, in FFA as an officer and pursuing college and scholarships (thanks Taylor). He was one of the only students wanting to pursue a career in viticulture, so scholarships were plentiful. He decided that SRJC was the right place until he could transfer to a UC. Since graduating, he’s been taking viticulture and enology courses along with general ed. Last fall, he even brought me a bottle of the wine he made in class. Earlier this year, he even got a job for a local vineyard management company where he’s been working around the clock the past few weeks to prep for harvest.

It's amazing the transformation a kid can go through from having no clue about their future and caring more about their hair than anything else. To then being fully immersed into an industry they want to be part of while working and going to school learn as much as possible.

When people doubt the effectiveness and importance of FFA and Agriculture Education, I think of Luis. I call him my poster child—which he loves, but it’s true. 

 I still have the grey hair from him, but I am so proud of his dedication to learning everything he can to be the best!

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.:

It's only January....

How do you deal with stress? What's your go to coping mechanism? Food? Sleep? Lots of yelling? I feel like this is different for everyone. But really, what do you do when you overbook yourself, feel like you're treading water and there's no end in site? How do we do this to ourselves?

I can honestly say, I don't feel stressed often. There are times when I feel like I have a million balls in the air and it takes every ounce of my being to keep juggling, but I don't really count that as stress. Today, as I ran to the store to grab lunch, I did something that I realized is one of my "stress coping mechanisms". That's right, I bought a cooking magazine. Yes, I know this is quite possibly the silliest thing ever, but when things are going a little crazy around here-- I somehow end up with a new magazine full of recipes and pictures that make me drool a little. Now, I never cook any of the items, because who really has time for that?? But, I take an hour or two and decompress by reading every single recipe. I think about how I would change it to make it something I would enjoy-- omit the onions here, use beef instead of chicken there, etc.

Lunch and my magazine... 

So why? Why do I spend money (today, $9.99) on a magazine that I'm never going to truly use? NO FRICKIN CLUE. Other than, I like to think it's my way of clearing my head. I can focus on something not even close to the long the To-Do list awaiting my check marks or the 10 applications I should be reading. It gives me clarity-- I guess it's my yoga without the yoga pants.

I know many people have been back in school for one or two weeks already. I know we always say the spring is so busy. But lately, I feel like I've been on the warp speed. Every time I turn around, there is another event, meeting, dinner to attend, or kid needing help. I love my job-- which is a good thing considering it would drive a sane person flat bonkers. But sometimes, I wish there were a few more hours in the day. Last week alone, we had a school-wide course fair, I was gone for meetings and my kids rocked 8th grade recruitment. It was a 4 day work week people!

This was our Course Fair! We of course had to showcase our hens!

I will say, as crazy as Ag teachers are, we have some of the best kids possible. Last week, I got two days notice about needing to be at our junior high for recruitment. Usually this is a stretch, but to add sprinkles to that sundae-- I was going to be out of town. Which meant I had one day to get a program together and have kids practice it before I left for a meeting. I quickly text two seniors and asked if they would sign on for the crazy train. They both immediately replied that they could handle it and facilitate the whole thing, including guiding the other 6 underclassmen that would also be attending.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I definitely was. Our fate as a GROWING chapter was in their hands. I did mention that to them, just so they all realized the importance. Following the day, I got pictures from them with texts about how great it was. I even received an email at the end of the day from the science teacher whose class they were in all day, thanking me for a great presentation and sending great kids.

One of the pictures I got from my kids with the 8th graders

As the spring continues to move like the speed of light, I have two things I have to keep in mind:

1. Let them surprise me-- Give them the tasks and pray, hope and cross fingers they were pull through with greatness
2. Take time to decompress--  sit outside and enjoy the sunshine (make sure there's sun) and read a book or magazine.

Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. 

Zig Ziglar

Most Days It will Be Okay...

As the end of the fall semester comes to a close, it's hard to maintain focus and drive when everyone on campus seems to be fading fast. Its become increasingly difficult not to go home before the sun goes down, which seems earlier each day. It is a struggle to get kids to maintain participation when friends and siblings are home from college or the military. In a world of social media and technology at their finger tips, it's hard to explain the reality of studying for finals instead of using the newest snapchat filter.

I know each December, I have this feeling of frustration with the lack of involvement, follow through, dedication to something other than getting "likes" in a virtual world. Don't get me wrong, I have some great kids that do amazing things. But I wish there was some magical formula for preventing this December Slump.  With my kids, it seems like there are two or three that drive the train of dedication for everyone during this month. However it creates animosity towards people don't hold up their end of the deal, which is never good.

At the beginning of December I attended the NAAE Convention. It was a really neat and different experience. My favorite thing was being inspired by teachers from other states and the activities they do in their chapters. By far, my favorite was an Ice Fishing Tournament Fundraiser!! When I figure out how to make that happen in Cali, I'll let you all know. The professional development was exactly what I needed for a little boost to finish the semester and to think about next semester. I wish there was something for my kids that provided the same refresh or re-invigoration.

Maybe in all my spare time, we'll someday create a chapter conference that works to provide time for all kids to do some team building, leadership training and planning time, so we can extinct the December Slump? Until then I will hold out for our Mid-Year officer retreat and MFE/ALA conferences. Fingers crossed they do the trick...

Not all of December was a waste, we did some pretty cool things this month. Over 70 Sonoma County Secret Santa gifts donated, over 500 pairs of socks and 12 handmade blankets donated to North Sonoma County Services, and 17 student volunteers for our Sectional Service Night at the Redwood Empire Food Bank. At least this month, they were LIVING TO SERVE.

 Blanket Making

 Our 17 kids at the Sectional 

 The whole Sonoma Section

Delivering our gifts for the Sonoma County Secret Santa program

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!

Next, next, next...

Welcome back to school folks!! 

I just realized I haven't written blog post since June. I mean that's quite a while, right? It's not for lack of trying. I started many posts this summer, would get about halfway done and realize: who cares? Or It doesn't matter! Or I'm just ranting! So I deleted them. 

This summer has been a crazy one. I worked the majority of the summer-- you're shocked I'm sure... Not! It was mostly fun stuff like conferences, retreats, curriculum work and working with students. Add 21 days of fair, school construction keeping me out of a new temporary classroom until 2 days before our start date. I like to think I am mentally tough, but this summer nearly broke me. But the school year has begun so we are headed onward and upward! 

This year, like every year of my short career, I am teaching a new class. An agriculture chemistry class. This class is part of the new agriscience pathway, and is the second class in the pathway. The  first class is called Sustainable Ag Biology, it was one of my new classes last year. This year I have 2 sections of mostly freshman in biology and they are the cutest, most eager little beings. I wish I could bottle their energy and enthusiasm.

As for Ag & Soil Chemistry, I have been nervous all summer. I feel like I prepped a lot over summer, did some awesome professional development, and made some great contacts to use as resources. But still nervous... Fortunately, I have many kiddos in the class who have already taken chemistry, which to some makes it more nerve racking, but actually eases my anxiety. 

This is not a possibility in the new classes 

(or any of my classes previously)

The class itself is hard yet fun. There are a ton of labs and projects that help teach the content and for me that's a real win. I'd rather be doing stuff and making a mess, like we did today. Even though I haven't been a teacher long, the direction of the classes I teach, have dramatically headed towards more science. I like science fortunately, but I know others in our profession who have struggled with that movement. I see it as job security really, if it's the avenue to get more students in my class to be able to have a little understanding of agriculture and FFA, then I am A-O-K with it. 

There's a lot more of this happening when I 

get my plans done for the month. 

These classes of the Agriscience Pathway, give us the time to teach science concepts with real life applications that students can use. Whether traditional Ag students or not, the classes expose kids to science, agriculture, real life and hands-on skills.

The prep work I do for each class is more than I've done for classes previously. But in our short 3 weeks of school, I've seen a change in students that has evoked a positive response that encourages me to keep prepping. Stay tuned for the rest of the year! Cool projects, Neat labs, Awesome kids... #WhyITeachAg

 

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.