SLLC
This is one of my favorite conferences to go to as a member. There is so much to learn and do and it really is a great time to network with legislators and other chapters. Unfortunately, the conference itself was cut short because of the weather warning. But it was great to see the students get to work and experience the same things I did when I was a member. I enjoyed passing on my knowledge and experiences.
The ag teachers got to help with evaluating proficiencies. Even though it was a really slow process, I was glad to go through it and see what judges look for. There are so many components to SAEs and the AET system that I know I need to learn but having a fundamental understanding of it really helps. And of course, it was neat to see the unique SAEs students have and to keep those in mind for when my students need my ideas in the future.
On the way home from our short trip, we stopped by the famous Huckleberry plant that is native to Perry County. From what I gather, it isn't very common and I think the only remaining Huckleberry is in the Perry County area. So we got to see a little bit of tradition together!Semester Motto
Student teaching is filled with its up and downs. I have such a great placement and amazing students and everything I could have asked for. But the only thing that presents challenges for me is.. well, me. I continually strive for perfection, but when I'm met with a challenge I can't figure out or something goes wrong, I get stressed out. I am my biggest critic. I know this is a time of learning and growth as I figure out this teaching gig, but I wish each lesson was amazing and I could stretch and excite students with each lesson. That doesn't always happen unfortunately, but I need to remember to roll with the punches and try my best.
So my motto that I am going to really try to stick to is Progress, not Perfection. I've heard it numerous times in different ways from many people. But my determined, sometimes rather stubborn, and perfectionist mindset doesn't allow me to think of myself as anything less. However, this whole teaching experience has taught me more about myself and what it means to really push myself but also accept that not everything is meant to be perfect. Some things are simply better off being learned from the struggles. The line from the creed: "in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggle of former years" comes to mind. I know E. M. Tiffany wasn't talking about teaching when he wrote this, but I think I'm in the "former years" part of my life. I need to keep pushing, keep learning, and keep trying to get to those "better things". I can do this! Here are somethings I'm learning from, not struggling from this eleventh week of student teaching.
Lab procedures
This week, I had my students do a cheese lab where they got to make cheese with an acid (vinegar or lemon juice). Not having done the lab before myself, I was a little unsure of how to walk my students through the lab. The other challenge was trying to set up for a lab when there is another class going on before that one.
Needless to say, the lab could have gone a little better and I could have prepared for it a little better. But the students were still able to make the cheese and I think they enjoyed making food!
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| Wrapping curds in the cheese cloth |
A lot of the time, I get discouraged when I realize that I wasn't as prepared as I could have been or when I miss or forget something. But from each of these hurdles come learning experiences that now I will be able to adjust when I do the lab again in the future.
On a happier note, in my plant science class, we've been doing quite a bit of hands-on stuff. I've had my students make compost, and had them add fish to their hydroponic systems. We are testing our systems to see if a hydroponic system with fertilizer works better than an aquaponic system. I'm excited to learn with them as we work through our little experiments!
Additionally, one of my areas for improvement is connecting and networking more with the community and teachers. Conveniently, I needed to go get the fish were to use for the system, so I got to meet the pet store owner that my cooperating teachers frequently go to. Now I know I have a helpful resource for any of my fish/aquaponic needs.
Little moments
There were a few little things that happened throughout the week that I wanted to share that made me feel a little more like a teacher and a little less like a student. On Wednesday, I attended the Greenwood FFA Alumni meeting which was really neat to see because my home chapter doesn't have an alumni. It was neat to see what types of things an alumni can do and hear the support they give by means of scholarships, donations, or just giving of their time to make the chapter a success. It was also a great way to meet others in the community who are from or support the chapter.
Another super cool thing was that I got to say the advisor role while students were running through their opening ceremonies in preparation for the contest! The chapter has a student advisor so for any of the club meeting days, the student said the part. Some of my freshman students in my Agriscience class are participating in the Ceremonies LDE, so they needed to run through it for class. The student who normally says the advisor role wasn't there, so I got to step in. Not only was it a really cool way for me to give feedback to the speakers and then for me demonstrate what it should look like, but I got to say the part! Super cool. Oh and I didn't mess up! (but I did have to look over it once to make sure I had it right).
Plans for next week
Next week in plant science, I am wrapping up my hydroponics and alternative plant uses unit (we'll still be checking our plants though) to begin the agronomic crops unit. 
In small engines, I will be finishing with the fuel systems and moving onto compression.
In agriscience, we will finish up with the public speaking unit, and eventually move onto parliamentary procedure.
In welding, I am having my students start to work on their final welding project.
In animal bioscience, this is my last week with them. I am finishing up our discussion on dairy products and hopefully ending the unit with making ice cream!
In food science, we will be finishing up our lessons on food additives and have student work on their research project.
In leadership, we just began talking about the Milk Quality and Products CDE, so we will carry that through until the end of the week. Leaving Thought
"Progress, not perfection"
