Interim Position

For the past two weeks, I was lucky enough to serve as the Interim Advisor to the Portland FFA Chapter. Amy Barnett was out on maternity leave for her second child and I was able to finish the year out for her. There were tons of experiences I had that make me feel so much more prepared for my permanent job. One of the most difficult tasks was to teach the Career Management Success class. These students were ... unfocused, to say the least. However, in the last two weeks I got to know them and we had fun conducting mock interviews and playing a game to review for their final. I was amazed that my attitude seemed to define theirs - the first few days, I had a preconceived notion of what they were like from hearing it from other people. Once I threw that away and treated them like everyone else, however, they LOVED preparing for interviews and showcasing their talents. I learned so much about the students when I asked them what "job" they'd like to interview for. Not only did many students want to become a vet, a mechanic, or other productive careers - some opened up and revealed singing, dancing, and writing talents. We made those interviews into "auditions" where they sang a German song, danced the tango, and played a song he had written that a band recorded (for money, the real deal!) I was so impressed! I hope they know in the future those talents can be what keeps them on the right track. I feel like that was one of the biggest reasons I was able to have this experience.

The other, of course, was to work again with my lovely Portland FFA students. We worked mainly on the banquet. It all culminated into a wonderful night - I was even recognized as an advisor! I got to walk in with Terry and Amy and say the last portion of the advisors part in Opening and Closing. I also recognized the Stars, as that's what Amy usually does. Also, this year's officer team gave me a beautiful picture frame with their picture and a wonderfully smelling Strawberry Shortcake Paula Deen candle. In addition, they awarded me an Honorary Chapter Degree. I love that I'll always be a member of the Portland chapter now!



After we cleaned up, some of the alumni and students hung out at Sonic (the social hot spot in Portland, apparently.) It was fun to wrap everything up by just sitting around and talking. I'll always love those people!

Now my summer will be filled with job interviews (or at least, I hope so!) I have one next week in East Tennessee and have recently sent my information to another school in Middle. It has also become heavily evident that to be more marketable, I'll have to be open to teaching Ag Mechanics. I never really considered myself to be a mechanics teacher, but I have the summer to brush up and really feel comfortable. I'm nervous but my mom said I can do anything, so it must be true, right? I feel confident that the Lord will keep and guide me. I'm excited to see what the future holds!

GRADUATION!

I'm a college graduate!

Student Teaching - Day 45 (LAST DAY!)

TODAY WAS MY LAST DAY OF STUDENT TEACHING!

We took the greenhouse class, along with other members who worked in the greenhouse, to the Opryland Hotel and on the General Jackson showboat. We observed the plants in the hotel before we had a great meal on the boat. I also got some great news while we were cruising down the river - I have a job interview on Monday! It's potentially my dream job, so I was really excited when the principal called me to schedule an interview. What a great day all around!

My students got me a card and signed it with really sweet things. They were so special - I'll miss them so much!

The entire semester has been an amazing experience. Usually I'm not good with straight prose, so a recap of my semester in a "top ten" list seems appropriate.

Top 10 Student Teaching Memories

10. Clint bringing his guns to my Portland wildlife class. It made me realize the long journey it's taken from my first 4-H class were he was probably my age when I was a 4th grader, through my FFA activites, to now, when I could utilize his talents. Thank God for adopted family like him!

9. Working in the greenhouse at Beech. I still (literally) have soil under my nails from working in the greenhouse. I have a greater appreciation for what it takes to run a greenhouse now, and feel much more at ease for when I will do so in the future. The radio set on a country station helped, too!

8. Taking Melia, Leah, Carla and Rebecca to the Middle Tennessee Awards Banquet. Yes, I drove the state winning Comm team to the banquet, but the dancing to silly music on the way down there made it even more fun.

7. 4th block Ag Sales and Services. No, we did not always work on business or sales related curriculum. Yes, we played many leadership games. Yes, we did loose some PE equipment in the pond, but no, I will never forget any of it!

6. Miller Monte Technical College trip. Leah and Melissa were fun while we drove to Cracker Barrel - and even though I was really tired that day, it rejuvenated my love of finding a place in the world for everyone. That day I saw some guys in an Ag Mech class that might be perfect for that college; I hope I can do that for a class one day.

5. Being silly and playing cards at State Convention with Portland. Sometimes it's the small things that leave the biggest impact. It might have been late night card games, maybe the inside catch phrases like, "Do you want it?", or getting my hair curled by some awesomely talented students, but the down time at state convention really meant a lot to me.

4. Lunchtime around the conference table. It was comforting to know there are people that are usually are hungry as I am - like Jena, Natalie, and Leah! Maybe we were all starving and no one brought lunch, or Mac bought us all Chik-fil-A, either way it was always fun.

3. Preparation for state - tons and tons of it. Every aspect of state officer elections with Michelle. Grilling Cayce for Extempt. Listening to Par Pro...over and over. Seeing all of the students apply what they had done was inspiring. I was overwhelmed with pride.

2. Learning from other agriculture educators. Aside from my amazing cooperating teachers, others like Pam Farmer Walker have really inspired, comforted, and prepared me for what's next. I love these people!

1. My students - all of them. The few I knew beforehand, the talkatives ones, the ones I liked to pick on, the ones who picked on me, the ones that loved me, the ones that may have not liked me. No matter where we stood, I saw the potential in every one of them and endure to fufill the challenge they gave me indirectly. They each deserve an amazing educational experience, and I can't wait to remember that every day when I go to work.

Student Teaching - Day 44

My second to last day student teaching was very informative. I really appreciated the conversation I had with Mac after school in the greenhouse. Out of the blue, he said, "You know, when I started, I didn't know anything about raising plants." He went on to tell me that he didn't start growing anything for about 2 years after he was hired and he has killed everything he's successfully grown at least once. He was giving me advice and finally said, "I know you worry about not knowing everything you need to know, but don't panic." That's basically the kind of thing I need to hear - he's a very wise man!

Student Teaching - Day 52

So .... today I realized I had taught a unit on plant parts and taxonomy and hadn't discussed photosynthesis.

We were reviewing with an online test and one of my students got to a question (on the test made by Mac, which is why I wouldn't have noticed) that illustrated the formula for photosynthesis. She turns to me and says, "I have no idea what this is." I felt horrible! Mac looks at me and says, "Surely you've discussed photosynthesis in this unit." So I had a tiny melt down. I went to the book, thinking all of the activities we had done by the guidelines of the text hadn't highlighted photosynthesis. I finally found that in the unit we were going over, the formula was mentioned in a inlaid picture when discussing the functions of leaves. I flipped to the next chapter - which was all about photosynthesis. I showed it to Mac just to let him know I'm not totally out of it!

Student Teaching - Day 50 and 51

The best thing about Monday was working on the chapter t-shirt with Casey and Jena. We found an awesome font (free) that is the set of pictographs used by the national parks. Having a fondness for the beautiful Tennessee State Parks and lessons related to them, I really wished I had found it when I had my Portland wildlife management class play pictionary with the symbols. Now I'll have it!

On a side note and unrelated to teaching, it was my dad's birthday. We bought him a new computer and he loved it!

On Tuesday, Mac went over Opening and Closing with the freshman to see which team would "win". It was great to see them enjoy speaking, especially the words of the OC ceremonies. One student in particular who did poorly when we first went over it (because he didn't study or memorize it) had obviously studied the advisors part and wow'ed me when he recited it. When he got done he looked at me and I gave him a big thumbs up - I was proud! Since then I've heard him say some amazing things. When the Comm girls talked about their state winning plaque, he said, "I'm gonna have one of those one day!" and when other students discussed banquet, he mentioned that he can't wait until next year because he'll have gotten all kinds of awards. I hope and think that eventually as he matures, he'll realize it's not just about plaques and awards, but his positive attitude has really impressed me. Just in the time I've been there, I've seen a great improvement.

Afterwards, I went to Wilson Central to conduct their chapter officer interviews along with Brett and Michael. (And not to brag, but my slate was the one we eventually decided on. :) ) Afterwards, Pam and I went to get some supper and had a great talk. While we were eating, I got a very important phone call that I was worried would come a lot later. Life is good, and Pam is good luck!

Student Teaching - Day 48 and 49

On Thursday I left early to get some reference letters in order and speak to some people about an interview for a possible job. I like to get excited, but not overly-confident! I can honestly say that the awesome experiences I've had at both my placements has prepared me greatly for facing the teaching job market.

I also had a conversation with Clint about what I might do later in life. I never really contemplated not being a teacher, but he was motivating me to pursue education in a larger venue ... maybe a Director of Schools or Commissioner of Education. One day!

On Friday, I went to MTSU instead of Beech to work on the ABAS monthly newsletter. Our department hasn't put one out in years so it was a very large and comprehensive. I organized it by the type of story and even got to add my own. I also took smaller stories that weren't large enough for an article and made them "Spotlights" that were featured throughout the newsletter. I was glad to do it regardless, but now I have another awesome thing to put in my portfolio.

Student Teaching - Days 45, 46, and 47

For the first three days of the week, Mac was out and we had a substitute. I had the freshman work on a lesson on plant parts and taxonomy, and then use the rest of the time for their research for their final projects. Instead of a usual test, Mac is having them write research papers, make PowerPoints and plan a presentation for him and the class where he will ask them questions based on their work with a certain animal in the lab this semester. In greenhouse, we worked through some of the units for their dual-credit grade. I hope they all pass the test and get that credit. I try to explain to them the importance of picking up credits easily like that, because other credits won't be as easy or cheap. If they only knew the deal that $60 is for 3 credit hours - and Beech FFA pays half, so $30 is even more amazing!

Student Teaching - Day 44

The most memorable thing about Friday was taking the 3rd block mechanics class to the nearby Miller Monte Technical College. They specialize in certifying students in welding, HVAC and electrical systems. I loved that we exposed those students to that opportunity; one thing I look forward to most is finding the best fit for my students once they graduate high school, regardless of what it is. I hope I'll be able to take my future students to places like that, depending on where I end up teaching.

Also a plus - we got to eat lunch at Cracker Barrel! And I really loved the drive with Leah and Melissa, they make anything fun!

Student Teaching - Day 42 and 43

On Wednesday when I returned, I worked more with the freshman on Opening and Closing. It's fun to see those who pick it up right away and understand its meaning, and those still a little lost. In 4th block, my mom came to buy plants from the Greenhouse!

Today is Mac's birthday! I took a grade in first block for the delivery of O&C, but I plan to let them raise their grade tomorrow if they've memorized anymore of the ceremonies. I also get to take home the chicken in the animal lab today!

Recently I've been working on retyping and updating the MTSU Ag Ed Handbook - it still has language from when females weren't allowed into ag classes! I, of course, could not let this stand. After I'm done, I hope future MTSU Ag Ed student teachers have a current resource to utilize during their student teaching semester.

Other hurdles before graduation: my Pre and Post test paper, my Praxis, and finishing my own notebook after I complete its revision.

Oh, and getting a job!

Student Teaching - Day 41

After a week of Spring Break, we came back to class on the 13th. It was hard to get motivated after a week and 2 days off, especially with all the crazy and fun things I did while we were out.
Priority this week is the upcoming Greenhouse sale. I also began working with the Agsci class, having them go over Opening and Closing so they can present it on Friday. Afterwards, I came home and worked on my graduation announcements.
On Tuesday, instead of going to school, I attended Ag Day on the Hill with Dr. Gill, Amanda, Brett, and Dr. Ricketts. I saw SO MANY of my extended "agriculture family" - aside from my MTSU counterparts, I saw many FFA, Farm Bureau and even 4-H friends. It was a great day that made me even more proud of be a future agriculture teacher.

Student Teaching - Day 40

On the Thursday after convention, we didn't do much considering we were very tired and worn-out from convention. In the afternoon, we worked on a display that the students would be taking to the student organization fair the next day at the middle school. It was fun to see what they picked as the important pictures for their display. I think it turned out well and I was glad that it required a lot less work than we had been putting forth for convention during the previous week. I was so tired!

I didn't go to Beech that Friday because the FFA New Horizon's magazine came to MTSU campus to conduct a photo shoot with the Ag Ed student teachers. I acted as a model - first and last time ever, I'm sure! The issue comes out in August, so I hope I have students by then who I can show the article to.

Student Teaching - State Convention

On March 28th through April 1st, I attended State FFA Convention with the Portland FFA Chapter. I loved being a chaperone that was invested in the chapter. It made me realize that this time next year, I'll have a chapter of my own to take to Gatlinburg! I was proud of not only my Portland students, but the students from Beech as well. Michelle, who ran for state office, didn't get one, but I was proud of her nonetheless. Portland also had students competing in Ag Issues, Ag Communications, Farm Business Management, and the Cooperative Challenge. From Beech, Cayce competed in Extempt and led the Parli Pro team to the finals on the stage. Jena led the Marketing team to 2nd place at state, and the freshman Ag Communications team became state champs! Jena also won her Proficiency in Small Animal Care! Many students from both chapters also received the prestigous State Degree on Saturday morning. I did my best to get pictures anytime our students were on stage - it made me proud to see all of them be recognized for just doing their best and striving for excellence. The entire week was a great experience to see the students having fun and understanding how the FFA can provide them with recognition and fun opportunities. I also loved being able to see all of my extended FFA family and hang out with Ashley when she was able to sit with us at sessions. Overall, it was a great convention, 4rd only to when I won the state Creed contest and when I was elected to then turned over my state office. I love my future job!





I am so proud of Michelle. She worked hard to run for state office and I loved cheering for her.




The Ag Comm team won state! I love their facial expressions - they weren't sure how to react.




Jena won her proficiency! I love this picture of her - she looks so happy.

Student Teaching - Day 39

Doc came to evaluate me in Agriscience today. I had the students go pH, potassium, nitrogen and phosphate tests on soil they brought from home. I was really glad it worked out that we would be doing that activity during his visit. He ended up typing a letter for Mac and never even came in the lab, but he was close enough that he could listen. He didn't even write anything, he said it was great. Lucky me! I was just a little concerned with the student's behavior, and even though I did have a few problems, Doc either didn't notice or thought I handled them well.
On my break, I went to WalMart to get some things I needed for state. I also got some lunch. I've been eating too well while I'm at Beech, but I won't complain.
Now I'm waiting for Cayce to finish her speech for today, and listening to Pandora. The girls here use it all the time to listen to music and I LOVE IT. It makes it really easy for me to find music similar to the music I know I already like using this awesome "music genome project". So yesterday, wanting to hear Stoney LaRue and similar things, I made a station for it. Then I decided to look up Stoney's tour dates even though he just came through town and I didn't go and wished I had. Lucky enough for me, he's coming back to the Exit/In the night of banquet. If we hadn't moved the time up, I wouldn't have been able to go. Life is awesome!

Student Teaching - Day 36, 37 and 38

What a busy week! Every day, except for Monday, I've stayed until about 7:30 or 8 to work with the Parli Pro, Marketing and Comm teams. I've really enjoyed seeing their progress. I know the Parli Pro team can make it on stage, and if they keep it together and stay focused, they could win state. I can't wait to see how it turns out!
As for the Comm girls, I'm very impressed. I know that no freshmen would have their act together like that from my high school. Mac told them the theory behind his hope that they win 2nd - of course he wants them to do their best, but not winning state would mean they can continue to do the competition until they're seasoned and hopefully win nationals by the time they graduate. As hard as that is to swallow, especially for them, I understand. I love competitions, but is National's is the goal, having a team not win for a few years might be what it takes.
The Marketing girls can win. They've gotten 2nd and 3rd for the past two years, and they're graduating this year. They're experienced, they can do it, should be great1
Cayce has made some awesome progress on Extempt. She has the knowledge and talent, she just needed some refinement on her delivery. I bet she'll be on stage, too, and I'm excited to see that.
Basically I'm excited about everything coming up because I love STATE CONVENTION!

Student Teaching - Day 35

Monday was a good day. In first block I made progress in AgScience, we discussed soil horizons and textures, two very important concepts. I feel like they're smart enough to already understand and I doubt that will be something we have to review for very long.
In second block the greenhouse students reviewed an online test until they made a 100. I just basically had to make sure they attempted it enough times and see their 100.
For the rest of the day I helped Cayce with Extempt. We talked a lot about different topics, and I tried to tell her just to consider her topic the "problem" of each judge, and while she's speaking she's trying to fix that problem. She said that was a different way of looking at it, so maybe it will help her. I can't wait to see her compete, I know she'll make it on stage!
I went to Murfreesboro after school for the Ag Council meeting. We got a lot done and it didn't last long at all. I love being productive!

Student Teaching - Day 33 and 34

Thursday was a very easy day. The basketball team was competing in the state championship, so not only was attendance never taken in any class, but most of the students were gone by 3rd. I basically finished up my article for the Portland Leader that day then got to go home early!

On Friday, Mom and Bridget surprised me during 2nd block by coming by the greenhouse. They were doing 4-H clubs next door at Beech Elementary and had a large break. They wanted to take me to lunch, but I had an hour before I would be able to leave so I originally told them I couldn't. Mr. Mac told me I could go if I wanted to though, so we got to eat at the Cracker Barrel! After school, I stayed for a few hours to help the girls on the Ag Comm team with their poster.

Afterwards, I went to eat with Bridget for dinner, (yes, two meals with Bridge in one day, yay!) and then went to Hot Topic at midnight to get TWILIGHT! We watched it when we got home, and then I watched it again last night. It's been a good weekend!

Student Teaching - Day 31 and 32

It seems like it's been a while since I blogged about teaching. Last Friday was a "stockpile" day and no students were there. Mac said he didn't need me so I got to go shopping with Mom! I pre-ordered Twilight at Hot Topic! (Not related to teaching but awesome nonetheless.)

On Monday, I went to Murfreesboro to meet with President McPhee, along with other faculty on the ABAS department and Chad, the Ag Council VP. Mac had a textbook adoption committee meeting so there was a sub, so I didn't go in all day. It seemed to be a productive meeting ... except President McPhee didn't know what swine meant.

Yesterday I attempted to teach soils to the freshmen, but whenever I asked questions or tried to get a reaction ... it was pretty silent. Considering that, I tried to gear what we were talking about much more towards something they'll use in the future - like how the class of soil they might one day build a house on it very important. The only problem I have with doing it like that is that they might lose the rest of the information I gave them ... I realize that the most important thing is they learn how to apply it, but hopefully not just in isolated situations.

Today was mostly a labor day - out in the greenhouse. 1st and 2nd block worked transplanting plugs and filling trays. The more I work in the greenhouse, the more I come to appreciate it. I also see the methods to the madness behind Mac's arrangement of everything.

After school I attended a faculty meeting with Mac. Nothing too noteworthy, other than I noticed there were only about 5 or 6 male teachers at the entire meeting. They discussed also that tomorrow, the Beech basketball team is in the state finals and most of the school will be gone by 2nd block. Yay for well-performing sports teams!

Student Teaching - Day 30

My fourth day at Beech was pretty much on my own. Mac had to leave and couldn't get a sub, so I was there for the majority of the day alone. In first block, I started my soils pp but had some trouble. Not teaching it, but because they have to sit at the computers in the lab, and the walls around the computers are kind of high for someone so short like me. I told them they may not always see me, but I'm loud enough that they should hopefully hear me. Also, there's a generator or something extremely loud in there and I basically have to scream the whole time. However, Mac prefaced my teaching by telling the class that he and I aren't going to do things the same way, so he doesn't want to hear, "Mac doesn't do it this way," etc. etc. I really appreciated his saying that. It seems like the class will be receptive and exciting!

Student Teaching - Day 28 and 29

Now that I've been at Beech for three days, I'm getting more into the swing of things.
Yesterday was a great day. I worked a lot on a PowerPoint for Unit 9, which I should be teaching that on Thursday. Because I didn't get to use any PowerPoints at my first placement, I'm not burnt out yet on it and I've been working on it during any spare time in class.
After school yesterday, I went to Portland to speak with the editor of the Portland Leader. After an hour, it was decided that I would get an entire page of the newspaper, in color! on the front of a section to be able to write my own story and use my own pictures about my Portland wildlife class that I loved so much. I'm SO EXCITED! I'll get my name as the byline, my student's pictures in the paper, in color! Have I said it's going to be in color? This totally made my day. It's due to the editor of the paper by the 20th and it will run on the 25th. I'm going to by 10 copies!
Today, Mr. Mac wasn't in class because he had to pick up plants. We got everything he left done - test in 1st block, making 100 hanging baskets in 2nd, and painting in 3rd block. During planning, I worked more on my Soils PowerPoint. I really like the flow of the textbook, and I think I'll make a PowerPoint for each unit, considering I'll most likely have a freshman class where ever I teach, and most all AgScience classes use the same DelMar text. Tomorrow I get to begin teaching in AgSci. I'm a little apprehensive because the PP will be on each student's computer, so they'll be looking at the screen and not me. Also, the room they're in is large and I'm kinda short. Good thing I'm loud, too!

Student Teaching - Day 27

My first day at Beech! Today I did a lot of observation and not much of anything else. First block is Agriscience, and today they worked on their SAE's in the animal science lab. Mostly I just sat and watched. I was very impressed with the amount and variety of animals in the lab. I wish I had something similar when I was in high school. I also wonder how I can acquire facilities like that when I'm teaching somewhere.
2nd block is Greenhouse. Today the students did clippings and mixed soil. I have this pull every time I think about having a greenhouse - sometimes I hate working in it, sometimes I could be out there all day. I think it has a lot to do with if someone decides to turn on the fans. :)
3rd block is Farm Power and Equipment. Most of the students worked in the shop, and some of them began painting the lab. I worked on my portfolio a little, and responded to some emails. I then began working a state-bound proficiency application. I made the supplemental page into a collage and stayed a little after class to help the student work on her photo captions, as well. I was glad that today I could have a product, instead of sitting around all day. (And yet at the same time, I was so glad not to be thrown into teaching on my first day at a new place. I hate being unprepared!)

Student Teaching - Day 26

My last day at Portland! Although I'm excited to gain new experience at Beech, I am SO SAD to have to leave my students. I have truly fallen in love with them and I cannot wait to see them again at State Convention. This morning was the Tractorcade! They named me Tractor Queen - I even got a sash! I also got to ride in the biggest tractor that lead the line from McDonald's to the school. I love that this event not only gives the students an opportunity to exhibit their agriculture background, but it advocates agriculture and the FFA as well. It was funny to see the boys stand around in their Carhartts like old men already. I won't forget that morning!


In 2nd block, I finally was able to do the Blood Trail Challenge! We discussed the different types of shots and blood, and what those shots mean in relation to how to follow that trail. I think the students really had fun, and I will genuinely miss these students. I know that I was able to teach this class for a reason - I love wildlife management, but I had never taken the class in high school. I'm so amazed and glad that I was given the opportunity to teach this class because this has truly shaped my love of yet another agriculture class. I will miss these students and I will never forget them.

During lunch, the students brought food to celebrate my last day. Michelle gave me an old picture of the two of us in a beautiful frame. I also was given a card with all the student's signatures and lots of little messages written. A 4th block student also wrote me a beautiful note, and Mr. Shartzer framed a scanned picture of an older issue of a National FFA Magazine where I was on the cover. I will keep these tokens, especially the card, forever. The things written on that card reflect what had made an impression during my teaching - the field trips, the games, etc. That not only tells me what I did right, but just made me feel good in general!

I also had gifts for the students. In 2nd block, I had promised the students that won the Thicket Game a surprise, and I made them cupcakes. Anyone who did not win was able to tell me one thing they learned in class to also get a cupcake. I had about 30 students that I had written a notecard to, and about 23 of them that I had a framed picture of something we did over my time there. In order not to hurt any feelings, I had the students I had a note or picture for stay after class without telling them what for. I had many students tell me they would put the picture in a certain spot in their room - "I'm putting this on my desk!" - and couple of students have already sent me emails. One girl in particular let me know she cried when she read it. I also had many students, mostly boys, come back at the end of the day just to see me one last time and give me a hug before I left. Knowing that I was going to be able to see lots of them again during State Convention made me feel much better! I also think I will be able to sub for Mrs. Barnett at the end of the Portland School year, right after I graduate. I hope that comes through!


My overall experience at Portland can be summarized with this: I will never, ever forget those students. Each one of them has illstrated things I will be able to use in the future, and I vow to honor them by using what I've learned for good with the students I will one day have. To my students, I send out positive energy. I know they are smart, amazing, kind, funny, sweet, creative people that I love who will make a difference in the world no matter that they choose to do. Thank you God for sending them to me!

Student Teaching - Day 24 and 25

Monday and Tuesday were a whirlwind of trying to get proficiencies done. Even though I had things planned for Monday and Tuesday, I had to spend the majority of the time proofreading narratives and beefing them up so they filled the spaces. I was a little frustrated because, only have 3 days left, I really wanted to finish up a few things. However, I still didn't want to just make them do bookwork, so I quickly assigned a state park-related assignment for 2nd block. Considering I never had a text to go by for 4th block, I was always just trying to do my best.
On Tueday, I spent most of day typing Advisor Statements for the students. As silly as it sounds, I found some more adjectives that I want to use in my daily vocabulary, as I had to continuously check theasaurs.com for different words to describe the students. The hard work on everyone's part paid off, as 3 students won the region and will represent Middle Tennessee and Portland at State Convention! I'm looking forward to cheering them on.

Student Teaching - Day 26

Friday was an amazing day! Here are the two reasons why:

My awesome mom came to 3rd block Small Animal Care to give her presentation on dogs. She has a successful dog project group at the 4-H office, and Amy's class is still studying dogs, so it was perfect! First she spoke on scent and sight hounds, then had fun activities for the students to participate in that simulates being a sight or smell hound. Some of the items for the scent activity had the students complaining - garlic, onions, and tuna all in the same place were gross. However, I really think the students learned about which dogs are sight or scent hounds, and how better to utilize their dog's abilities.
Then she played Terrier Jeopardy with them. She worked really hard on a new game that focused just on the terrier group after I told her they have a test on Monday. When the students answered, it was evident who was already prepared and who needed more work. We also discussed with them how it's important when learning breeds, floriculture ID, or anything else, to not memorize the actual picture, but memorize the characteristics of the item. I think that helped some of them.






The second awesome thing about Friday was my field trip to Bledsoe Creek State Park with the wildlife class. I have been preparing this for weeks now, and I was really hoping for a large crowd. I invited anyone from the ag department, but anyone from Wildlife got extra credit for going. Originally, I had arranged for the Park Ranger to come speak to us for a few moments, then the students could fish while I got the food ready. However, when I got to the park after shopping for the food, he wasn't there at the scheduled time. Since he lives on the park and one of the students said he knows him well, he went up to talk to him. When the student got back, he informed me that the ranger totally forgot about it all and is too sick to come out. I was upset - not because he was sick, but because he didn't let me know by phone or email that he wasn't able to make it. A little professionalism is all I ask! Despite that setback, I had 23 people in all come to the park last night! Two boys also brought boats! I was so impressed by the amount of students, but also by their ability to keep their word. Every single student that promised me they would attend showed up. I just love all of them!
They fished (or tried to) until 6 when they all came back and ate - I barely had anything left over, so I really think everyone got their fill! I also gave away a few prizes. The biggest prize, a new tackle box, was given to a student who fished out a deer skeleton!
Overall, it was a awesome night that still has me in a good mood. I love my (future) job!

Student Teaching - Day 24 and 25

Wednesday was an easier, shorter day. In Wildlife Management, we finished discussing the concepts. While we reviewed, I asked questions and recorded what I asked so that I could make those the test questions for the next day. I knew if they answered it well the first day that they would have an easier time answering that exact wording on a test. Also, considering we're celebrating National FFA week, the dress-up theme for today was Camo. Since the students love the Thicket Game (where they wear camo and hide in the woods) they begged me to play again while lots of them had camo on. We did, and this time they were even better!

On Thursday, I gave 2nd block the quiz over wildlife management concepts. Surprisingly, even after only going over it for 2 days, most of them made some awesome grades! I explained to them once they turned it in that in a real situation, we would have gone over this for about a week and a half. However, since I'm leaving next week and I wanted to do some more things before I go, we were only spending a small amount of time on it, so they did an amazing job for just learning it a couple days before.

On Thursday night, I got to take 5 students to Goodwill Tour at MTSU. This was my first act as a chaperone and an advisor! Dr. Ricketts introduced all the schools and had the students stand. When the Portland students stood up, he introduced me as the student teaching advisor. It made me happy! After the state officers did their program, I quickly had my students take a picture with all of them before they ran off. I also asked Jesse Ford, the East TN VP, to give some advice to Michelle, our state officer candidate. I felt like such an advisor then! Afterwards, we went to eat at Toot's. When I went to the bathroom, the girls told our server it was my birthday (but it wasn't!) and when I came back, I started to hear the clapping that they so often do to celebrate someone's birthday. One of my students started smiling and I started getting worried. All of the sudden I saw the huge line of servers with ours in front, ice cream bowl in hand. They totally surprised me! It was hilarious. Those girls are so much fun.

Student Teaching - Day 24

I'm posting this from school because I'll be here for a while. Portland is hosting the district skills contest at 4. Today the shop has been extensively cleaned, and my 4th block spent the afternoon cleaning the classroom.

In 1st block, Amy was absent so I sat in with the sub while the students studied floriculture and worked on proficiencies.

In 2nd, we started again on the concept jigsaw. Once they finished, however, and I finally began explaining the concepts in detail, they were needed in the shop. I guess interruptions and extensions of projects are normal in teaching, but today it really frustrated me!

During 3rd block, we went to PLOW at Clyde Riggs again. This time the 1st graders wore their Portland FFA shirts. Very cute! I took lots of pictures, I'll post them once I'm on my home computer.

The same thing happened in 4th. I decided not to get detailed into the Big 4 personality test when they were still needed in the shop. Tomorrow should be fun - students always love finding out which of the 4 they are!

Student Teaching - Day 23

What a nice Monday. :)

Uneventful morning, nothing earthshattering in Floriculture. The students needed to work on their proficiencies so I just worked on information for 2nd block.

In 2nd, I still want to do the artificial blood trail challenge, but it's just too darn cold for the next few days. Therefore, I'm moving on to habitat requirements and management practices/concepts, until Thursday when we'll try to go outside. (Hopefully it won't rain!) The first half of the class was spent explaining the upcoming field trip on Friday (can't wait!), discussing the rest of the week, and then watching an old movie about hunting and living harmoniously with wildlife. It reminded me of the old reel movies people would watch in health classes that had stupid cartoon hosts. I showed most of it, but the main purpose was just to have them observe different stages of plant succession. There's no projector in the room so I haven't been able to use any darn PowerPoints, so I'll take visuals where I can! Then we began a jigsaw on the 13 concepts of wildlife management - but oh my goodness did it take a long time. I need a better way to explain a real jigsaw. And I probably should also pre-fold the paper for them. They didn't finish so tomorrow we will finish in groups, then I'll explain the concepts in more detail. I need to consider a way to review because I'm going to quiz them on it on Thursday.

In 4th block, one of my students had told me earlier in the day that she was being promoted at her place of employment. She then told me about a discussion she had with a co-worker and her near fight with this person. It made me realize that personality types is a good topic even for a Sales and Service class - so we took awesome personality quizzes all block. I loved hearing the students discuss why they chose a certain item on a quiz, and rationalize why that's their personality or not. I still have half of the quizzes to do tomorrow, and then we're doing the more accurate Big 4 test - I can't wait to see the results on that one! My 4th block certainly has a mixture of very distinct personalities and I know they'll enjoy it.

My field trip for Friday is coming along! I talked to Clint this afternoon and although he won't be able to make it, he gave me some great tips for the fishing tournament. The student's I've talked to that are coming seem to be very excited - some students are even bringing boats! I hope I have a large attendance, not only because it'll be an educational experience, but also because it will be a fun send-off for me. Next Wednesday is my last day at Portland ... I can't even imagine leaving my awesome students, but I'll have to. Bummer...

Student Teaching - Day 21 and 22

I haven't posted since Tuesday because my week was so busy!

On Wednesday in Wildlife, I had them do a Hunting vs. Anti-Hunting debate. Instead of choosing sides, however, I split them up evenly and had some defend the Anti-Hunting side, even though I know they all are hunters. They were upset at first, but having them defend a side they don't agree with makes them focus on what makes a good or bad debate. I had a student "jury" that judged the sides based on their ability to perform, and not their stance on the issue. Although they were a little rowdy, for the most part they did well and I was pleased with their ability to debate!

That night I had to drive all the way to Murfreesboro to take a major field test - it was information I had barely studied or never even seen! Good thing it wasn't graded.

On Thursday, we had an early morning officer meeting. Mr. Shartzer wasn't there that day, so there was a sub and I didn't go over to Amy's room. In 2nd and 4th block, I decided we'd play riddle and leadership games because I simply did not feel like teaching wildlife or sales that day. I know it sounds horrible, but sometimes you just need to have a little fun!

In the afternoon, I went to talk to the forester at Bledsoe Creek State Park about my students coming next Friday to listen to him speak, fish and eat some BBQ. We planned the entire night out and I'm very excited about it! After speaking to him, I drove down to see the place we we're going to eat, and tons of deer were grazing around the road.

I went back to the high school afterwards for our chapter meeting. We gave out state degrees and talked about upcoming events. I got to say the advisor's part during Opening Ceremonies!

Yesterday I didn't go to school because I was on my way to Alumni Convention! I didn't win my contest but it was a fun experience anyway. I had a lot of fun shopping with Ashley and Kinsey in Dickson - I got some awesome owl bookends at an antique store! I also love the banquet at Alumni Convention - it's like a family reunion.

This weekend I'm going to plan for the rest of my lessons at Portland - only 8 more days :(. I'll miss my students, but at least I get to be with them at state convention!

Student Teaching - Day 20

Today was a hard day. In second block, many students still did not have their projects. Not only was it upsetting, but it disrupted my lesson plans, as well. I anticipated the projects taking up most of the classtime, but considering only a few people brought theirs, I didn't have anything for them to do. I refused (internally) to give them any of the fun things I've planned because they all hadn't taken the previous assignment seriously. But having them sit there in silence, especially for the ones who had already finished, made me feel terrible. I was going to go to a concert tonight, but it was during that block that I decided I should stay home and work more on my lesson plans. I also just felt like I wouldn't have enough sleep and I'd be worthless tomorrow. Any other version of me would have gone tonight and been out until 2am, but I must be getting older and more mature because I just couldn't bring myself to do that tonight.
4th block was a joy, as always. We played some awesome indoor games today after working in committees. Thank God for that class, they make my day better!
I'm continuing to work with the Egg Cooperative group, although we're still slow-going. I also want to start finalizing prep for Michelle for state convention. It won't be long now!
I'm off to finsh some lesson plan materials and watch a little TV before bed.

Student Teaching - Day 19

Friday was a fast, easy day.

Doc came by to see me, but didn't really stay to see me teach. He was on his way to see his son's new baby, so he just stopped by to see if I had any questions or anything. He also told me about a supposed job opening in Montgomery County, but I think someone who thought it was an open job just forwarded a job description instead of an actual open job. Oh well!

I was upset with 2nd block - only a fraction of the class had their projects done. I gave them a week and a day to do these projects, and even though I know they got in trouble and had to do bookwork, it was evident that only some of them took it seriously. I gave the students who did have it extra credit. :)

In 4th block, since it was so nice out, we played outside games! I love love love that class, and it's fun to goof around with them. Like last time, the shop class beside us joined in!

No class on Monday, so I plan to spend that day working on reworking my lesson plan schedule for the rest of this placement, because it seems that everything has gotten so backwards. Not only that, now that I don't have Discussion Meet to study, I can start teaching Floriculture!

Student Teaching - Day 18

After 5 days in California, I finally got back to teaching on Wednesday. Not much happened because the 2nd block got in trouble while I was gone, and the assignment I gave them was replaced by book work. That means I worked on Michelle's state officer application while they worked.
But 4th block was memorable - we learned the importance of business phone calls. I had each of them make a phone call to a local business asking them if they can advertise our greenhouse in the form of a poster, or painting their windows, etc. Some of them were very excited, but others were very nervous (understandably). But the awesome part of this was that I knew this skill would be something they would need in the future, regardless of their professions. They all did me proud!

Today the chapter went to Louisville for the Farm Machinery Show ... but I stayed home sick. I feel achey and sore, almost like I got beaten up.

Tomorrow I get to see the 2nd block's wildlife projects - I'm excited!

Student Teaching - Day 17

It is SO COLD!

And yet today is a day I planned one of the outdoor activities in Wildlife class. It's amazing how much I'm enjoying teaching that class! I asked them to, if they had some and wanted to, wear camo today. I wanted to teach them about predator-prey relationships, and adaptation. The students that wore camo were adapting to their environment while they were "predators" in the Thicket Game.

It's a different kind of hide and seek. The "prey" would be at a spot in the front of the woods. They would have their eyes closed while the "predators" hid out. The prey would then count to 20, and turn around once they were done. To simulate the vulnerable nature of prey, they weren't allowed to move from the spot in which they stood, but were only allowed to point out anyone they spotted. Anyone spotted was to come up to the clearing in the front and become prey as well. Then they would all turn and close their eyes, and again count to 20. The predators who hadn't been spotted then had to move 5 feet closer. Each time, if they weren't found, they would move closer and closer. Finally, if they could cross the line where the prey were all standing, they would win!

Even though this was fun, it was also educational. They learned that camo was the biggest help in not getting spotted. Some who were not in camo learned that being quiet was also very helpful - they could get very close even though they didn't blend in well if they didn't make noise. The prey learned that the people who often crossed the lines to win were very close and in their line of sight, but they weren't looking for the right thing, or they were looking too far away.

Here are some of my students in their camo! Many of the students I didn't get a picture of wore camo jackets, but these are the students went all out. When I showed this picture to my mom, she didn't notice the student in the tree! I want to submit this photo to the Portland newspaper when I get back from California, maybe parents of some 8th graders will see it and want to enroll their children in ag classes when they get to the high school, so they can play the Thicket Game, too!

Student Teaching - Day 16

Note to self: Don't let kids play dodgeball in 20 degree weather by a pond!

Someone mentioned dodgeball in first block and I told 4th block we could play ... before I realized it was too cold to be outside but the gym was taken. We learned a lesson in problem-solving skills.

Problem: Students want to play dodgeball but the gym is full and it's freezing outside.

Solution: There isn't one! At least not today!

Something new happened today, also. In second block, I had a group jigsaw where everyone had to participate to get a daily grade. I had a student admit to not doing his part. I asked him to stay after to tell me what he has done, so that I can give him a grade. He said he didn't want to stay and he would just take a "0". I told him I wasn't accepting anyone failing so he would need to stay.

After class, I asked him what had happened. He explained that he originally took on one role, but then another teammate of his took on two roles right before they presented. Therefore it appeared that he hasn't done any work. I told him that next time he should make it more clear his role to a group, and next time I can do a better job of making sure everyone who has a role keeps it. I thought we had a good discussion. :)

Student Teaching - Day 15

So ... tired.

Preparing for California has drained me. I can't wait to go because of the great opportunity it presents, but also because I can focus more on my instruction afterwards.

Today's big news was the visitor in 2nd block. I asked Clint to come and speak about the history of guns and bring some examples for my Wildlife class. The SRO officer has to be in the room when he brought the unloaded guns in. We watched clips of a movie detailing the history of guns, then Clint would relate each new progression made to what we know now, and also demonstrated with the guns he had. I could spend an hour just describing why I think this was a great lesson. One of the best things about bringing Clint in was that he was a very knowledgable about his topic, and bringing someone new in is also a treat for the students. I think they also knew the importance of good behavior, considering the SRO officer was standing, arms crossed and slightly intimidating, on the side of the room. I'm glad that Clint could do this for me. I was thinking today, who would have known that my 4th grade 4-H agent would be helping me when I was 22 during my student teaching semester? I'm glad that we've been friends for so long and we can help each other out. It doesn't matter that I don't have a large family, I get to adopt people like Clint!

Student Teaching - Day 14

Friday started out with a surprise - Doc came to see me! I don't teach in first block yet, so he came back during 2nd. He observed me during 2nd block for Wildlife, where those who didn't finish their Dilemma cards read them in front of the class. I only had a few discipline problems while Doc was observing me, but it worked out well. They listened to me and I didn't have to repeatedly ask the students to sit up, stop talking, etc.

I then had some of them read their personal Hunting/Wildlife Code of Ethics in front of the class. We would then discuss which of the 4 values we studied earlier in the week that the person mentioned. It tied in nicely and I was very proud of their behavior and participation!

When Doc left about halfway through the lesson, he handed me my evaluation. I got an A++! He loved the class participation, was very impressed that the students were engaged and asking questions, and liked that I disciplined them with a smile. He also wrote that he "loved the dilemma cards to get them involved, and loved the Hunting/Wildlife Code of Ethics." He also said that the teaching and learning was relevant to the students. That's probably one of the biggest compliments he could give - I constantly try to relate to why our discussions and lessons relate to real life!

Afterwards, Michelle and some of the officers and I were attempting to surprise Mr. Shartzer for his birthday! I made a cake the night before and hid it in my car before lunch. We had racked our brains trying to get a distraction during lunch so he would leave and we could set out the cake, light the candles, put up balloons, all that jazz. But, as luck would have it, he needed me to drive him to get his son who had stayed home sick, and take him for the rest of the day to his middle school. He doesn't currently have a seperate vehicle, and his wife had the family van, so it was perfect that I could drive while the students set everything up. When we got back about 20 minutes later, the classroom was dark. When I opened the door and stepped out of the way, he could see the cake and candles lit in the dark, then everyone popped out and yelled "Surprise!". It was perfect, and he was sincerely surprised. And he loved his cake and wasn't mad that it was a little jab at his age, and his area of expertise - as a plant and soil science man, he hates the word "dirt".

In fourth block, we formed committees and elected a chair and secretary from each committee. Then Amber suggested that we have a Greenhouse manager, someone who is in charge of the entire class. I felt her idea was a great one, so I asked who would like that position. I would have had an informal election, but Amber was the only one willing to fill that position, so she became manager. I loved her initiative to not only suggest the idea, but also in her dealings with the committees. I gave them some time to split up and discuss what their committees needed. I loved that I could trust them enough to discuss everything without worrying about calming them down or getting them back on task. They had wonderful ideas, and I can't wait to see how this sale turns out!

For the last 30 minutes of class, they wanted to try a teamwork game called Human Knot over again. We played on Monday, but they couldn't get it figured out. I decided to take them outside, due to the close proximity of game. They worked on it for a while alone, until the neighboring Auto Cad class decided to come outside and see what all the fuss was about. We let them join in so they could experience the fun of Human Knot, too!

I stayed after until about 6 to get everything for the State Officer run-off ready for Sunday. I wanted to practice for Discussion Meet (and watch the Super Bowl), so I decided to get everything printed, put in folders, organized, put in the correct rooms, and to make an agenda for the day so that Mr. Shartzer and Amy wouldn't have to do anything but show up and bring the judges. I really value the run-off process at the chapter level, having to go through it many times when I was in high school. It's important to make it fair, professional, and complete so that the best person from the chapter can represent Portland at state convention. I hope that Mr. Shartzer and Amy like the way I set it all up. I'll find out Monday when I talk to them! Now I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend so I can get my thoughts together on Discussion Meet (which I leave for in LESS THAN A WEEK!) and take a little break to watch some footbaaaaall. :)

Student Teaching - Day 13

Thursday morning was an EARLY one. We have officer breakfast at 7am, and I had said I'd bring breakfast, so I essentially had to get up at 4:15 to get ready by 5:15 to get to Portland about 30 minutes later so that I could have time to buy food and be there at 7. But it seemed I overestimated the amount of time it would take to do all that, and I was at school about 45 minutes early. Oh well!

In second block, we discussed the difference between Legal and Ethical decisions when it comes to hunting and wildlife. I made Dilemma Cards that had a hunting, fishing, or wildlife problem for them to solve. I had them come in front of the class when it was their turn to read their card, then I wanted them to tell why they picked their choice. I then wanted them to tell why they thought the other choices were bad, similar to giving a set of reasons. The entire class would then discuss what they would do, is this a legal or ethical matter, or both? I then had them write a personal Hunting/Wildlife Code of Ethics.

In third block, we went to the middle school and the students read to a class of 1st graders for PLOW. I loved seeing it, considering I was a member of the state officer team that developed PLOW!
Every student had a "high school pal" that they would sit down and read with for about 30 minutes. I loved seeing our high schoolers being so patient and kind with the little ones. Adorable! Also, the 1st grade teacher knew who I was and that I was part of the team that designed the program. She was asking me questions and wondering if this is how other chapters do it.

In fourth block, we've been talking about characteristics of a business person. Because we will be marketing the products of the 1st block floriculture class, we needed to devise a business plan. I had each student take one question from the business plan, and answer it in their own words. We then read them outloud and I told them that tomorrow, we would create our own committees related to the sale, and then elect a chair and secretary from each to keep up with each committee.
Overall, it was a good day!

Student Teaching - Day 11 and 12

Snow Days! Two in a row. I decided to post even though I didn't have any commentary on teaching because I have some snow pictures! I don't have any from yesterday, considering it was just an "ice day". I woke up yesterday at 5:15 and hadn't gotten a text from News Channel 5 for Sumner Co. schools closing, so I assumed we weren't closed. I turned on the TV as I got up to get ready, and the first name at the bottom of the screen for the closings was Sumner! I clicked it off and went right back to sleep and didn't wake back up until 10:30. I studied Discussion Meet and watched The Dark Knight with Dad. Lazy day!

This morning I woke up before my alarm at about 4:45, and once again I didn't have a text from News Channel 5 so I assumed we were still open. When I turned the TV on, Lelan Statom was saying that lots of the officials who make decisions about school closings are listening to him, and although there wasn't any snow yet, it was coming. Then he said he was getting two new closings that moment, Robertson and ... Sumner! So I once again turned the TV back off and slept until about 8:30. I woke up because I heard a male voice that was not my Dad's. By the time I got into the kitchen, Mom was the only one home. She said that Dad's truck had broken down just down the road, and his friend from work took him back to the house to get a part. He had to lie on the ground in the middle of our country road to fix it - then it started snowing! He said once he got it fixed, he almost lost control on the road and decided to just come back home. I'm just glad he's ok! This is him walking back to put his tools up.





I braved the cold to take some pictures. The sun was obviously not shining so they are a little dreary. Now the sun is out but the snow hasn't melted, it's beautiful.

After I relax a little more, I'm going to practice Discussion Meet some more. Yay for lazy snow days!

Student Teaching - Day 10

Today was not my first day of teaching, but it was my first day to have develop the lesson plans relating to the curriculum, instead of coming up with some activities or discussions on the fly because Mr. Shartzer didn't have them doing anything. He said last week I could "start" Monday, and I did!

Although I'm not teaching his first block normally, I did want to talk about job interview skills with them because they are structuring the class much like a factory would structure jobs. They voted on a CEO, then today he interviewed 4 Executives, then those Executives interviewed their foreman and crew after that. Before we got into the interviews, though, I took the first half of class to talk to them about the Do's and Don'ts of an interview. I also gave them the laminated business cards I made last night that had Tips for Interviews on one side, and Do's and Don'ts on the other. I made these because I was certain that when they do go to interview for a real job in a year or two that they probably wouldn't have kept the notes from Ag Mech class, but they could keep the laminated card I made to fit their wallet.

In Wildlife, the major class I've planned lessons for, we discussed what wildlife really means, defined some official definitions of wildlife, then we broke into a jigsaw and discussed food & water, philosophy of wildlife, and cover. Once the group doing cover finished, I had them all sit back in their seats, close their eyes and choose an animal to be. Then I played on my iPod and portable speakers a thunderstorm soundtrack and read a description of a thunderstorm in nature. They were to imagine how their animal would take cover, and what other senses they felt during the storm. I then turned the music down and told them the storm had passed, then asked what they felt, saw, heard, etc. The animals they decided to be were funny - poison dart frog, elephant, lizard, lyger. And even funnier is that many of them didn't survive the thunderstorm - they said they were just "washed away". I also asked them if they felt panic, as if they didn't feel they could find over. I also asked if the cover that people did find was the only cover in the area. We then described how its important to be aware that we share our environments with these same animals, (well, maybe not the elephant and poison dart frog), and when we aren't good stewards of the land and animals, we could be negatively affecting an animal's habitat. We then did a different jigsaw discussing the 4 values of wildlife. Tomorrow (unless we have a snow day, because I think we will!), we're going to play a hunting/management practice ethics dilemma game. Fun!

In 4th block we discussed the important characteristics of an agribusiness person, and then played some games relating to some of those characteristics. Some of them required moving the desks and getting physical - I think they had a lot of fun, judging from the constant flow of laughter for most of the class. Those kids are great!

Final thought for today - I think we'll have two snow days in a row. Even though I have things planned out and I enjoy teaching so far, I still would love to be able to sleep in. I'm off to do the official, yet very secret, teacher snow dance!

Student Teaching - Day 8 and 9

Thursday was a great day - Speaking contest day!
I was at school at 7am for the weekly officer breakfast. We discussed ways to recruit middle school members. Although I haven't worked it all out yet, I'd like to think of some very creative ways to promote Ag and FFA in the middle school.
In Wildlife, I made a very large list on the board of what they wrote to me saying they'd like to study this semester in Wildlife. We then had a discussion on what does "wildlife" really means.
After school, we drove to Station Camp High School for the speaking contests. I got to see all of the awesome Sumner and Wilson Co. ag teachers that I love, and this time I was one of them! It felt great to stand around and socialize as a teacher, with the other teachers, when just 4 years ago I would have been one of the students.
I also got to judge my FAVORITE contest, Creed Speaking! Amy and I were the only judges for the Cordell Hull Creed, so inbetween the speakers and the scoring of them, we got to socialize. Afterwards, I got announce the results! This seems silly and small, but I remember being one of the speakers, always listening so carefully and nervously for my chapter to be called, so I took the duty seriously! I remember hating how some teachers would go on and on about how great the contest was, blah blah. So I decided to simply say "thank you, the results are...".
The best part of the night was when the speakers who get to continue come up and ask for advice, just like I remember doing for Creed, Job Interview, and Prepared. The winner was from Wilson Central, and she was fantastic. There were only a few things she could improve upon to be exemplary. When she came up to me, Benny Jo was with her. She asked what I could improve upon, and when I started talking, Benny Jo pulled out a notepad and pen so she could write them down. He was also listening and really taking in what I had to say. It just made me feel great, considering I really admire his ability to train great speakers and leaders, and he was really wanting to hear what I had to say. Great day!

Uneventful Friday for the most part. We cleaned the Greenhouse in first block, and worked on proficiencies and resumes in the other classes. After class I went to the 4-H office to get materials for Wildlife. Clint had an enormous amount of things to give me, and I've been planning the syllaus today. I'm going to go to WalMart later with Mom to see what they have discounted as far as hunting equipment goes, Clint said they have great discounts this time of year. I want to get some things to give as prizes for the games we're going to play. I can't wait for this class on Monday, it's going to be great!

Student Teaching - Day 6 and 7

I won't downplay - Tuesday was a hard day. Maybe even a "bad" day, although no day can be too bad when I get to teach ag.

It seems that the inauguration brought out the worst in certain people. I realize that being in a rural area meant a predominant Republican bias. I understand, being a Republican myself, the struggle it is to wish your country well and still be a patriot when your country has elected someone who you did not support. However, I came to the realization yesterday that I love my country more than I love my political party, and that it was time to back the new leader of my country. I didn't expect everyone to hold this same viewpoint, but I did expect respect while we watched Obama take his oath of office. Mr. Shartzer told me right before he left for the day that he would be at a textbook adoption committee meeting all day, and so I would have to run all of his classes. Although normally I wouldn't have a problem with that, he wanted them to do proficiency applications. There are many areas of expertise I possess in the FFA, but proficiency applications are not one of them. Therefore, I could only help them so much. In addition, many of them didn't even have an SAE to fill out a proficiency form for. Therefore, I was left with a large percentage of students who had nothing to do. I felt like watching the inauguration festivities would be a great learning experience, for a few reasons. First of all, regardless of their feelings toward President Obama, it was certainly a moment in history, and a good teacher would want to share that with her students. Secondly, tolerance can be illustrated in many ways, and I felt like integrating his moment into our day would allow others to see the beauty in diversity. But the unintended lesson became his well-written address to the country. I hope one day the students in those classes, even the ones I had to discipline for inappropriate comments, understand the enormity of the moment they saw in high school.

At 6:30, I came back for the chapter meeting. I was interested to see that they actually used parliamentary procedure, and followed an agenda. Our chapter meetings in high school were usually related to an activity, and opening and closing ceremonies was about as formal as it got. I get to say the advisor's part next meeting!

Today was better. I spent first block in Amy's class, making an outline for one topic of the discussion meet. In second block I came back to Mr. Shartzer's class and planned to continue working on it, but ended up working on Michelle's resume and cover letter for job interview - which is tomorrow!! Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the FFA year. I love love love the speaking contests, even if it means a long day and waiting around for the extemp speakers to finish. I haven't had much time to help Michelle or the Creed speaker, Will, but I have tried to contribute what I can. I know in the future I will be able to prepare my students months beforehand. Tomorrow will also be exciting because I'll also be able to see the Sumner Co. ag teachers that I love! I can't wait!

Student Teaching - Day 5

It seems like my day on Thursday was already a week ago, so much as happened since then! Since I wasn't at Portland on Wednesday, some of the students asked me where I had been and some said, "You're back!" when they came into class. It was sweet!
The day was most uneventful, with the exception of my disciplining a student in 2nd block. I was very forceful when he smarted off to me, but Mr. Shartzer made him apologize and I accepted it, so I feel like we can still work together.

Michelle brought her new kid to class. I think his name is Spanky! When anyone would put him down after we held him, he wasn't used to the slick floor. We said it was like he was ice skating. :)

I left 4th block early to meet Jessica and Mr. Curtis in Murfreesboro at Dr. Hillman's house. Dr. Hillman is a voice and diction coach, and he helped me and Jessica clear up some of our incorrect speech patterns, words we say incorrectly, etc. It was very enlightening! I never knew I did some of the things he pointed out. I've been practicing since Thursday night to try to incorporate the things he said. I have 19 days until Discussion Meet, so I think I can do it! Afterwards I went to Ashley's to watch Grey's, then I heard school was out the next day, so we went to see Twilight at 10 that night.

On Friday I got to sleep in, then I went to Clint and Tracy's to play Wii with Austin and Allison, and get Clint's opinion of the Discussion Meet topics. Tracy made egg rolls and I had never tried them - I didn't know what to expect, but oh my gosh! They were amazing. She gave me some to take home, I might make them later tonight. They also gave me my Christmas present, a digital picture frame!
Today Mom, Bridget, and I went to see Twilight (yes, again! That's the 5th time!). We stopped by Wal-Mart so I could get My Best Friend's Girl on DVD. Now I'm relaxing at home. Danny and Amanda are coming over, so we're all going to watch it together. I also get Monday off, so tonight it like Friday night all over again!

Student Teaching - Day 3 and 4

Tuesday was relatively uneventful. I got to school early to talk to my Co-op team. At first, I wans't sure I'd have enough, but by the end of the day I have a full 5 members, meaning we'll have a drop score. This weekend I want to sit down and plan this out the right way. It's a new contest so as Mr. Shartzer put it, we'll all be on an equal playing field. So by next Tuesday I'd like to have our game plan figured out so they know what to expect and we do this the proper way, as to not waste time. Winning isn't the most important thing, but I'd like to say we did the best we knew to do. I think we can incorporate our egg cooperative with the 4-H chick chain very well, so our presentations rank higher than others. That's one of my only solid thoughts on it so far. Also, I'm going to be at Beech during State Convention, but I'll accompany Portland to Convention. That way I can be with my Co-op team. :)

Also, in 2nd block, the students had a very intelligent discussion on global warming and the role agriculture plays in that debate. They also discusseed eminent domain. I was so impressed and proud of the knowledge they exhibited, and they probably didn't even know it was exemplary.

Amy's 3rd block gave me this beautiful buttercup! Speaking of flowers, I stayed after school to help Terry's wife, Marie, with the floriculture team. "Help" is really a loose term, since she's taken countless teams to nationals for floriculture. But being around their practice will teach me better than I could teach myself!

Today I went to visit Beech, my second placement, just to get a feel for their facilities. I was truly amazed at everything they had - Agscience lab, Animal science lab, communications lab, 3 greenhouses, aquaculture ... it was impressive. I wasn't sure what to think of Beech or the students, but of the small group I met, they seem very receptive and willing to learn. I'll have a hard time leaving Portland, but at least it will be for a school that's just as productive.

We then had to meet Doc at 2 at Lebanon High School, where Mr. Howard told us about his method of completing competencies. He also gave us some greenhouse tomatoes, and showed us his aquaculture operation. He gave me a great idea that I've been thinking of all afternoon. He mentioned how trying to grow tomatoes in float beds in their aquaculture tank didn't work, because the tilapia ate the roots. But there had to be a way to protect the roots while they still get water, like a mesh barrier underneath the float bed. I'll admit that aquaculture by itself never interested me much before today - now I can see how it could be a great activity coupled with hydroponics. Ag mech students could also learn block laying skills by building the tank out of cinderblocks.

I've had a long day, and I'll be glad to get to sleep, even with the frigid temperatures. I wish they cancelled school because it was just too darn cold!

Student Teaching - Day 2

*sigh*
I'm so tired and it's only the first day! But I'm probably tired because of my new workout routine and having to write a paper for my YOED 4000 class, and not because of my day at Portland.
The backdoor was unlocked! this morning when I arrived at about 7:35 (meaning I didn't have to walk around the entire school, giving myself blisters for the rest of the day).
To work on Degree requirements, students in all classes were to either give a 6 minute speech or 15 minute discussion. First block seems just too lazy to want to do any of these things. We discussed how most of these young men would work in factories, garages, body shops, as plumbers, firemen, etc. They don't see the value in a 6 minutes speech, no matter the topic. It's hard to convince them that speaking skills will help them for any career, especially at 8am.
Considering all of this, I will teach Amy's Floral Design 1st block. Awesome because that's the best class ever and it will be the first class I choose to teach when I have my own department. So thank the good Lord that I will be able to be in a positive environment of floriculture at 8am!
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. Mr. Shartzer turned his Cooperatives team over to me. Little did I know, he had worked with the state staff for years to create a state contest for Ag Cooperatives, and he's letting me train his team. I love when I have competitions to work towards for State Convention, even if I'm not the one competing! I'm just worried about having enough team members. We will meet at 7:15 tomorrow morning, so we'll see.
I've also started my path to being healthier in body and spirit. I have thrown out my junk food and vowed not to get any fast food. I also have cut calories to around 1000 a day. I also bought two work-out DVD's and plan to use them at least 3 times a week. I'm taking green tea supplements as well. I had a SlimFast for lunch and wasn't hungry until I got home and had yogurt for a snack, then steamed vegetables and chicken breast for dinner, with my new V8 fruit juice. I want to be (and look) healthy in my graduation pictures. I know I can't lose every pound of my goal within 116 days, but I think I can still make a lot of progress!
I've also been listening to Joel Osteen's weekly video podcast. Last night while I got clothes, lunch, and everything else ready for today, the episode I watched seemed to apply to exactly what I was doing at the moment. It made me feel great! So this morning on the way to Portland (the beautiful, beautiful drive) I listened to another new episode and felt so wonderful about the day.
I've also purged the people in my life that are negative energies. Recently, although I mentioned it to very few people, someone from my past wanted to become close again. I meditated on it for a long time and wondered if this could be something I could handle. One night while I was with my best friend at the movies, I realized that I was more excited about seeing the movie than I was about this person! It was something I had to stop, because it had been toxic before. I knew it couldn't be good the second time, either.
I feel free and more mature and better about life all around!
Tomorrow I'll need to plan Floriculture lesson plans and decide which direction to take with the cooperatives team. Right now I need to finish the last assignment due for my role as a student. So much stress will be gone once I finish this paper!
I'm excited for tomorrow!