Week 6: Growth beyond the Greenhouse

With a little bit of snow and ice, week six did not disappoint. Although, I began my week with a two-hour delay and ended my week out of the classroom, it was a jam-packed week. Not only did we fill Valentine's Day orders for our Floral Shop, but we finalized details for National FFA Week and attended ACES over the weekend.

These are just a few highlights of Week 6. Of course, I will 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 learn to grow from the experience), and a TIP (something that I learned or heard that encouraged me to continue to grow my roots in agriculture education).

High –

Students Spring Crop Projects showing growth!

As I get further into this experience I am able to witness continued growth. Not only do I get to witness growth of my students’ spring crops within the greenhouse, but I get to witness students’ confidence and progression on various activities and projects. My students amaze me with their positive attitudes while learning a difficult procedure or task. They are always persistent as they keep trying to get better. I especially see this in my shop classes. Overall this job is hard, but rewarding.

Low –

Students' begin their plumbing square projects

As I mentioned above, I not only teach in the classroom, but I teach in multiple laboratories including the shop. Personally, I have grown to enjoy my time out in the shop because this is where a lot of my hands-on experiential learning takes place. However, I struggle at finding ways to master managing a shop setting where my students are working in different areas in the shop, making varied levels of progress on their assignments and ensuring that the learning environment is safe and influential for all students. My cooperating teacher suggested doing checkpoints throughout the period with each student, and other methods. As I head into Week 7, I look forward trying out a method or two to ensure that my time in the shop is as progressive as my classroom.

Tip –Every blog that I have shared so far shows exactly how many weeks I have completed in my 15 week internship. You will also find this written on every calendar of mine. However, at the beginning of this week Mrs. Rippole shared with me, “Don’t count the days. Make the days count.” As I reflect on this week, I count every blessing I have. I am almost half way through this experience, I should not focus on how many days I have left, I should focus on how much I am going to accomplish throughout the rest of my time here, so I can leave a positive impact. 

Unique Weekly Moments –

Science Wing – As I continue instruction within my CASE courses, I find myself over at the science wing at least three times a week. It started with a search for certain supplies, and then I found myself asking questions and learning from the science teachers. I’ll admit, I had to relearn how to use a microscope this week, but I am thankful for such a supportive faculty within Derry Area High School that continually helps me throughout my student teaching experience.

Sub Plans- On Friday, I was able to immerse myself in a Student Teaching Seminar in State College. However, this meant I was missing a day at school with my students. Therefore, I was able to construct my first set of sub plans. I’ll admit that they are not easy, and require specific detail to ensure the instruction in conducted correctly.