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.