Week 3: Own It!

20% of my student teaching internship is completed. Pinch me, I feel like I started this yesterday! Unfortunately, I have completed week 3 already. Before I know it this experience will be 100% completed.

In all reality, I am amazed on how much I am learning and growing! Looking back on week three, I am excited to share a high (some of the best # UndeniablyDerry and other dynamite moments), a low (something I wish was better, but can’t change so I moved on), and a tip (something that I learned or heard that encouraged me to continue to grow my roots in agriculture education).

High: I had a lot of unique and influential experiences this week. However, one of my favorites was the opportunity to join my students at the school board meeting. I loved the opportunity to get to watch my students in action. I get to interact with my students on so many different levels. Not only do I get to watch them succeed in the classroom, I get to watch them work together to promote a positive message about the importance of agriculture education. The presentation was focused around how the program impacts the local community and the students. It was then that reinforced my thoughts on how much of a positive impact a teacher can create in an agriculture program to lead to many opportunities for student success in the agricultural industry. 

Chapter Officers s presenting to the school board 

Low: Of course this week proved to me again about the importance of adapting. It was my second day of teaching my Small Animal Production course, I was finishing up my interest approach and had the students pumped to start learning about Reptiles, then the power goes out! To top it off, I had a PowerPoint with guided notes as the next activity. So, there I was floating up a creek without a paddle. I had to think fast to guide this lesson in the correct direction without the resources I was relying on. Truly, you just need to adapt and overcome is all I have to say.

Tip: Own it. Although it is week three, I realized that I am going to bomb a lesson from time to time. As Mr. Campbell told me, it is okay! You just got to own it, and tomorrow you can re-do it.  I’ll admit I failed teaching a shop procedure this week. However, I came in the next day and owned up to it, then taught the correct procedure because I owed it to my students and their safety.

Other Unique Moments

Learning some welding techniques

from Mr. Campbell

Middle School Presentations – Student scheduling is quickly approaching. Recruitment and retention
is essential to an agricultural program. It was inspiring to watch Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Rippole promote the program at many events the past two weeks. However, the events are coming to an end, and we finished off our recruitment process with Middle School Presentations.

National FFA Week Planning – I think it awesome to listen and see the creativity my students have outside of the classroom that they utilize in the FFA program. Additionally, I get to watch my students develop exciting ideas to serve their community and peers. More on that soon!

Being the student – As I stated before (many times) I am not the expert of many things; however, there are so many people who are that can teach me. I was thankful for some afternoon practices with Mr. Campbell in the AG Mechanics shop. I was able to reinforce techniques I was taught before, and learn a whole bunch more!

FFA Friday – This is something Mr. Campbell did that I chose to continue. I was actually excited to instruct my FIRST FFA Friday and help students prepare to apply for Proficiency awards.

Week 2: Flexibility is KEY

This week I realized the difference between flexibility and adaptability in the classroom. In addition, I realized how essential it is for teachers to obtain these two traits.  These two traits truly go hand-in-hand with one another.  Flexibility is the idea that your plans can change very quickly, sometimes with notice and sometimes without.   Adaptability is the ability to adapt to that change.  In general, it is being able to acclimate yourself to changing roles, responsibilities, material, and schedules. After experiencing my first week of teaching, I believe that if you cannot accommodate to these with aspects of teaching, it will create difficulty in the delivery of the lesson. By difficulty, I mean frustrating.

A copy of the two-hour delay schedule

I would be lying if I said my first week of teaching was easy. I say this because I never realized the frustration two hour delays created until I was standing in the front of the classroom. Being able to sleep or prep from an extra two hours in the morning is a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because I get extra time to do things that need done without distraction, but a curse because I only get 15 minutes with my first 4 classes of the day. Technically I only have 10 minutes with students because time needs to be allotted for them to cross from the Agriculture complex to the high school, so they do not get locked out of the building. Not only did I have to adapt to the schedule, but I had to learn to be flexible with my lesson plans. We were taught to be flexible when having extra time, by adding flex activities to our lesson plans. I actually used my flex activity from the lesson I taught the day before, and used it as a review to see if students understood the concept they learned. I felt it was a successful thought because I actually did something, I did not let myself have a 'free pass' nor did I start another concept and only get five minutes in. 

Although I experienced frustration from a two hour delay schedule, I made it through week two. Looking back on week two, there were some high moments (some of the best #UndeniablyDerry and other dynamite moments), and motivating messages shared that encouraged me to continue to grow my roots in agriculture education.

High:
 Since this week was truly about being flexible and adapting I thought I would share something I did that I thought was a bit of a bold move for week one of teaching. I got to take over the senior Leadership and Careers class on Wednesday. This also meant that I got to grade their resumes and cover letters that they just turned in to finish their unit with Mr. Campbell. To say the least, I was very concerned with what they handed in. I decided to create #FlashbackFriday for today’s lesson, and press pause on my lesson I had planned for the day. I told my students that we were taking time to flashback and reflect on our performance with our resume and cover letters. I made sure to reiterate my expectations, and shared my disappointment. I felt bad, but I wanted these seniors to be successful in their future, which begins with having a solid cover letter and resume to land an interview or job. I understand that this was bold, and probably should not have been attempted my first week, but it was actually a huge success. I felt that I was holding my students accountable, while helping them prepare for their future. 

Tip:
My tip from this week actually came from my journal I keep notes in from each day. The journal has an inspirational message on each page; today’s message shared “There’s a lot that is good in your life – don’t take it for granted. Don’t get focused on the struggles that you miss the gift of today.” This message was perfect timing because as I was beginning to reflect on the week I kept finding notes regarding frustrations or failures. Eventually, I walked away from journal and computer to take a ‘breather’ by walking down the halls of the
Agricultural Complex. I was greeted by students with smiles and chirping good mornings. It
was then that I realized, I was blessed to even have this opportunity to be student teaching at an outstanding agriculture/horticulture program like Derry. Although, I am going to presented frustrations and failures throughout the week, I have to learn to pick myself up and develop from the negative because this opportunity is truly a gift. A gift to work with incredible students, and amazing mentors.

Stopped to take a selfie in the Greenhouse and share
how grateful I am to be student teaching! (Be positive!)

Methods of Teaching from the Science Wing

In an effort to gain a better understanding about how other classrooms are run at Derry Area High School, I was assigned to perform an observation in a science classroom. At the conclusion of my visit, I realized there's much purpose behind this assignment. Simply because agriculture is an applied science; therefore, there are a lot of connections that can be made to the delivery and management to each classroom. 

Yesterday, I was able to observe Mrs. Dorazio’s Astronomy and Conceptual Science courses, primarily 11th grade students. Conceptual Science is a course created for those students who are not interested in taking a traditional Chemistry or Physics course. Therefore, this course is a combination of both subjects. I appreciated getting the opportunity to observe how Mrs. Dorazio implements multiple teaching methods and management techniques throughout her classes. Additionally, I appreciated her enthusiasm, and ambition to make her classroom a positive learning environment for her students.

Mrs. Dorazio's Astronomy class engaging in a lesson
 about constellations. 

Mrs. Dorazio’s enthusiasm and ambition created an engaging lesson. In Astronomy, the lesson was based around Constellations, while the Conceptual Science lesson was based on Newton’s 1^st Law of Motion. It was evident throughout each class that Mrs. Dorazio had well established classroom routines, something that I want to strive to build in my own classroom. This routine is very precise, but flexible. Students enter the room, retrieve their science notebooks, complete bellwork, engage in lesson, and complete their ticket out. Overall, this routine is well established which allowed her to effectively manage class time.  Mrs. Dorazio has done an amazing job with having students understand her classroom procedures and expectations to create a positive classroom environment.

Students investigating
Newton's 1st Law

Also, to create a positive learning environment, Mrs. Dorazio utilized multiple teaching methods. For example in the Conceptual Science class, praise was often given to students on task. In fact, the students who completed bellwork immediately /accurately had the privilege to go around the room and help students. Once the bellwork was completed Mrs. Dorazio introduced the lesson by talking about NASCAR, which created interest and investment in discussion from most students because they enjoyed NASCAR. After the discussion, Mrs. Dorazio presented a demonstration. However the demonstration was not a step to step demo. Instead, the demonstration was utilized to provide clarity in instruction for aspects of the experiment. The clarity she provided up front was worthwhile because she had more time to  help students dig a little deeper into the lab by providing follow up question instead of answering and clarifying  small details. 

Additionally, Mrs. Dorazio utilized several tools to effectively manage the class time.During labs students were held accountable to complete tasks by a digital count-down clock on the screen. She also posted her class agenda and objectives on the board, so students understood the plan and goals for the day. Additionally, Mrs. Dorazio's organization of her science notebooks provided a guide for each lesson. Considering Derry Area High School has forty two minute periods, strategies like these help maximize learning time especially when engaging in hands on laboratory experiments.

All in all I am thankful l for this opportunity to view classroom management techniques, teaching methods and tools from a different perspective. However, I could easily see myself implementing all of these into an agricultural classroom (especially the science notebooks). 

Obviously, I am not a Mrs. Dorazio so I have not mastered classroom management techniques and tools in my classroom. However,  I am excited to take these techniques and tools, and add to my teacher toolbox, so I can use them in my future classroom. 

Week 1: Growth Mindset

Before I embarked on my student teaching journey, I participated in #psuaged18 Pre-Service Seminar. Throughout the seminar, my fellow cohort members and I participated in trainings, workshops, and discussions. Although there was a plethora of information and advice presented to us, one piece of advice resonated with me the most throughout my first week of student teaching.

Ms. Hack, agriculture educator at Honesdale High School, shared how we should not compare ourselves to other teachers.  This advice kept echoing in my head throughout this week of observation. Throughout this week, I realized that Mr. Campbell has mastered classroom management, and the content he teaches. In addition, I realized that Mrs. Rippole has mastered the art of creativity and engagement. My mind kept wondering how I was going to ever be like them. Stress and disappointment flooded me with every thought, until I reminded myself to not compare. I am not a Mr. Campbell and I am not a Mrs. Rippole; I am Ms. Wasson.  Like many educators, Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Rippole have had mentors to guide them in becoming a mastery teacher. Therefore, I realized it is okay to not be them because I am here to learn from them as my mentors.

Although there were times of doubt, I made it through week one. Looking back on week one, I'll be sharing a high (some of the best # UndeniablyDerry and other dynamite moments), and a tip (something that I learned or heard that encouraged me to continue to grow my roots in agriculture education).

High

Here is a photo of a student, who is very talented
and skilled  in the shop, demonstrating a butt weld.

This week was critical in building rapport with students. I had the opportunity to meet students this week, and begin to engage in projects with them. All of my students are unique in the sense that they all have different personalities, come from different backgrounds, and have different learning styles and abilities. I knew my classroom would be full of diversity; it just became more apparent to me after the three days of observation. I am excited to see how I can help grow their knowledge and roots in agriculture. Whether I am helping to direct an independent study, coaching a CDE team, or teaching in the classroom, I realize the impact I can have on students. 

Tip

This week has truly allowed for a growth mindset. Not only did I realize that I have a lot to learn, but I learned a lot. It is somewhat scary to take over a classroom from an established and mastery teacher. As the next week approaches, I am full of nerves and excitement. However, we received an email from Dr. Foster that was forwarded from a agricultural educator. In the email it shared the following:

“We all have things that make us uncomfortable...things that are (or lead to) our insecurities. Today, I want you to remember that until you cross the bridge of your insecurities, you can't begin to explore your possibilities.”

This quote made me realizes that my nerves and insecurities are okay! The journey of student teaching has only just begun. I will face some challenges, but I have the ability to change and overcome my insecurities to maximize my student teaching experience.

Recap Other Weekly Unique Moments

Derry FFA Officers and members conducting tours to
8th graders by highlighting Animal Science Pathway

• Watching the Ag Construction class finish up their independent projects. I am excited to see how I can continue to highlight and showcase their talents and skills in the shop.
• Seeing students that I went to convention or other events with, I am excited to continue to build rapport with other students.
• We had the 8^th graders tour our facilities on Friday. It was awesome to see the chapter officers take charge and develop the program for the tours. 

Day 1: First Time for Everything

The FIRST of anything comes with nerves, yet excitement. As I approached the Farm Show Complex with a bus load of students, I can say I felt both.

I was nervous because today was my first day student teaching; my first time meeting some of the students, and my first real teacher duties. However, I could not control my excitement. This is because I realized that I was able to be a part of a 'FIRST time moment' for many of my FFA members.

First time … Attending Mid-Winter Convention

There is a sense of purpose each student feels while attending Mid-Winter Convention. Being surrounded by thousands of FFA members can make students realize they are not alone, and that they can create a strong impact in agriculture with many others. In addition, students are able to witness accomplishments of hundreds of members that either received their Freshman Jacket or Keystone Degree to encourage them to work hard to succeed in agriculture. My chapter and I had the opportunity to cheer on 6 Freshman Jacket recipients, and 3 Keystone Degree recipients.

First time…. Zipping up a Blue Corduroy Jacket

There is a sense of pride each student has zipping up a Blue Corduroy Jacket for the first time.As I observed the six recipients from Derry FFA, I could see the anticipation in their eyes, and their eagerness to put them on. Those jackets will mean something different to each of them as they continue their FFA journey, but they all have the opportunity to use their time in FFA to grow and achieve great things.

First time …. Wearing the Keystone Degree Charm

There is a sense of achievement each student has wearing the Keystone Degree Charm for the first time. The three recipients from Derry FFA have become equip with many skills and knowledge that is needed to succeed in the agricultural industry. They put in a lot of time and effort to achieve the requirements for this degree throughout their years of involvement in FFA. After the ceremony they were met with hugs and congratulations, that created a smiles and tears for many of them. I am excited to see how I can help them prepare for their future in agriculture. 

Being able to see the students’ feelings of pride, achievement and purpose is exciting. It defiantly calmed my first day nerves, and leaves me even more excited to see what my students will achieve. This is just the beginning of my student teaching journey. I realized their are many FIRST to come. However, it all starts with that FIRST moment to lead to many amazing outcomes.  I am excited to see the outcomes throughout my student teaching experience.