Week 7 - Fulfillment from Helping Others

I am in denial that I am halfway done with this student teaching internship; it does not even seem real. No doubt, it will get harder before it gets easier. My class load just hit maximum capacity; therefore, preparation and classroom management is the key to survival. On an exciting note, we celebrated National FFA Week this week!

Emphasizing "Living to Service"  during National FFA Week

This week made me realize how fulfillment comes from helping others. 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:

As I shared above, I hit maximum capacity on my teaching schedule. I am officially teaching all seven classes. However, I am also excited because I get to begin new units in my other classes (FINALLY!). Pacing was something I struggled with at the beginning of this experience, which is why I am now a firm believer in holding students to high standards and pushing them to focus. Here's what I've learned about pacing, sometimes students don't appreciate the pushing. As we neared the end of our Plumbing unit in my Agriculture Construction class, this week has been full of fast pace movement. I was very worried that many students were not going to meet the Friday deadline. Yet, I stood firm with my deadline, and my heart smiled big time when I had ALL 16 plumbing squares sitting on the turn-in table Friday. It seemed that my constant pushing had paid off, and I am proud of these students.

Low:

Not only am I halfway through this experience, but I am halfway through the third semester with my students. Unfortunately this meant I had to hand out progress reports to any student that had below a 70%. To say the least, I was frustrated with how many students seemed like they did not care about school or their grades. Yet, I decided not to come in the next day with this frustration. Instead I handed out the progress reports, and I shared that if anyone had a question or wanted to discuss their grade that I was available after class to talk. However, I did not believe any of these students would actually care enough to confront me about saving their grade … Of course, I was proven wrong! After I dismissed class, I realized one of my most difficult students was standing beside my desk. He looked at me and said, “Ms. Wasson I want to do better, but I don’t know how.” I was astounded at this comment; I reacted by stating, “I know you can.” He then continued to share a little bit about his home life with me, and I was about in tears. To share the least, he comes from a split home, and works night shift to support the household. I realized this was a BREAK THROUGH MOMENT. Therefore after he shared his story, I wanted to help him be as successful as possible. We discussed how he could make up work for previous projects and homework during the scheduled Homeroom time, so it would not require time outside of school. Again, I am just amazed how my students continue to conquer the challenges they face, but take action to ensure a better life. If I can help them the slightest, I feel that I am creating hope to spark brighter futures.

Tip:

“Sooner or later, you realize that real fulfillment comes from helping others. All of the rest is just temporary.” After my break through moment with my student that I shared above, I realized that this quote describes why being a teacher is so fulfilling.

Weekly Unique Moments:

Demonstrating how to restrain a rabbit

Warmer Weather – We hit 75 degrees for three days at the beginning of the week. With anxious students, I took advantage of the outdoors and moved class outside. For example, in my Small Animal Science class we went out to the barn and practiced rabbit handling. Flexibility is key in this profession.

Students unloaded the delivery truck

Food Bank – On Wednesday, Derry FFA packed up three vans of members to volunteer at Westmoreland County Food Bank for a day of service. I was saddened when I noticed a few of our members stating “Hi Mom/Dad” as a parent walked through the line to receive food. Again, I was reminded of the struggles my students face, but know that they have the ability to create better days.

Chapter President sharing how the AG/Hort program
impacted her time at Derry Area High School

Teacher Appreciation Breakfast – Our officers spoke at our Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, and I was amazed with their reflections on how the Agriculture/Horticulture Program impacted their life. Not only was each reflection unique, but many shared a common theme. That common theme was centered on the concept of ‘home’. Each officer shared why they joined the Agriculture/Horticulture, but what made them stay was the creation of a family and home. Although they all had different paths getting there, they each found their way HOME.

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!)