Week 4: Mentors Matter

Throughout this experience, I have been fortunate to have many mentors who have provided advice and encouragement. This week was my first evaluation by my university supervisor, and I cannot express my gratitude to all my mentors who helped me prepare for this moment. I would be lying if I said I was not nervous, but encouraging words were present throughout the day. This kept my attitude positive and directed my determination to be positive and prepared. Overall, it was a great evaluation that allowed me to reflect on many highs and a few lows in my teaching.

However this reflection is focused on the highs and lows of the week, and not just the day of my evaluation. Therefore, 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 move on), and a tip (something that I learned or heard that encouraged me to continue to grow my roots in agriculture education).

High: I picked up two more classes this week, bringing me to a total of SIX classes that I am teaching. That means there is only ONE more class to add before I am teaching all SEVEN periods!  Obviously there is no just dipping your toes in around here, we do cannon balls.  Agriculture Construction and CASE – Agriculture Science Animal (ASA) were able to welcome Ms. Wasson to the front of the classroom. The class sizes are two times larger than my other courses, so this was something to get adjusted to with classroom management and preparation.

A quote shared with me by Mrs. Rippole
after sharing my discouragment

Low: Remember that honeymoon stage Agriculture teachers talk about? Well, I am no longer in that stage with a few of my classes. My students are testing me, but I am up for the challenge. However, I referred my first student to the office this week, and it felt terrible but right to do all at the same time. I had wishful thinking that this would not happen because I was certain that proper classroom procedures and management techniques would prevent this from happening. However, I realized that those management techniques are there to not only prevent things from happening, but to ensure the right action is taken to fix things when one technique does not work.

Tip: Mentors Matter. I will say it again …. MENTORS MATTER! At the end of this week of teaching I received a Facebook message from one of my mentors that have inspired me most: my hometown agriculture teacher.  He's the one that encouraged me and challenged the most in my agriculture pursuits because he saw some of the highest and lowest points of my life. Our conversation was one of many that continually reinforce that I am chasing the right dream, and growing my roots in agriculture through education further. Mentors like Mr. Heasley are amazing for the continued words of encouragement; however, I am additionally thankful for the ones that watch my teaching and growth in the classroom.  The conversations I continually have with Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Rippole about classroom management, routines, curriculum, assessment and students were extremely beneficial and eye opening.  I’ll admit that I am not perfect, so I am pretty self-critical; however, I still appreciate when Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Rippole share constructive feedback that I need, so that I can push myself to do better for my students.

Unique Weekly Moments:

A PAL volunteer helping my Intro
to Ag class in the shop

    
Motivation Monday - Monday’s are always a slumber for most students, so to kick off the week I started a Motivation Monday through #ChalkTalk. This allows me to share a quote based around growth mindset that is posted all week on my chalkboard. This week’s quote was: If you could believe in Santa Clause for 8 years, you can believe in yourself for 5 minutes. My students and I appreciated the humor, but seriousness of this quote.

-    PAL Program - Here at Derry Area High School they have a PAL program that is made up of volunteers that help out in the classrooms throughout the day. I am thankful to have to amazing PAL volunteers in the Agriculture Program. Not only do they have years of experience in the agriculture industry, but they have a daughter who is an Agriculture Educator. Like mentors they have shared some great advice and encouragement to me and my students.