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!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
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!
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.
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!
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!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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!
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.
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.
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.
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