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!)