Teaching Bluejays: Assessing the Assessments (Week 12)

This week went by way to quick, and I can't believe we are staring at the end of my student teaching experience. I am starting new units that I will likely not get to see through to the end, but that was the original intent. I learned just how much I enjoy teaching students how to weld, and I had some deep reflection as I graded the assessments that go me to this point.

To put it simply, the Plant Science exams I graded were not where I thought they would be, which was disheartening considering all the time I spent ensuring that my instruction would translate to the required unit assessment. There were times when I even dropped major spoiler alerts for exam questions, and students that I thought were engaged did not perform.

These concerns led to one of the best conversations I have had with Mr Brown. On Wednesday night, I stayed at school late, plowing in to the mountain of assignments to be graded and other responsibilities. Before Mr Brown left, I asked him if I could have done anything different to get better scores. He asked what one particular student with a GIEP got (almost a perfect score.) He said that if that student did poorly, then I could worry. The reality is that performance is ultimately out of our hands. For my first few assessments I will feel that way, but eventually I will become more confident in my teaching which will decrease the self-doubt. He pointed out that the fact this is on my mind tells him how much I care. His underlining student teaching goal for me is to increase self confidence. I think this conversation help reveal mine.. I care so much about my students, but that alone doesn't make me a good teacher. I am slowly learning how to direct the right amount of caring to the right areas at the right time.

Next week I hope to continue with my lesson plan utilization. Also, many shop days allow me to constantly improve in that area day after day. As for now, it is off to PA 4-H Capital Days to coach the State Council on Parli Pro, and lead the delegation in a "how to read a bill" workshop :)

Teaching Bluejays: (Lesson) Planning my Home Stretch (Week 11)

I almost had to re-introduce myself to my students after a week plus away from the classroom. I was happy to get back in the swing of things, prepare for a visit from Dr Foster, and cycle through to new units.

Monday, my Ag 2 students took their fasteners unit written exam. (I tend to say exam rather than test, probably just a product of university. Do you think one word vs the other has a different impact in the mind of a high school student?) I was impressed with the results. However, I find it shocking that no matter how many times "test taking skills" are preached, students still do not attempt to answer some short response questions. Also, if the question had 3 three parts, for example draw, label, and describe each part, students will only complete one or two parts. I did not see it as much on Friday's plant science exam, but it was still an issue.

I tried something new with Ag 2 students this week. We will be starting MIG/TIG/Plasma on Monday, but some of these students never had arc welding due to being in the half year Ag 1 class. I took them through a "crash course" on arc welding this week so they can be prepared with basic concepts when we meet on Monday. I have had concerns about my pace of content delivery, so I am interested to see how starting these ag 2 students with little upfront theory will compare to the ag 1 students I will be teaching the arc welding unit in a few more days. I will also be finishing plumbing next week with Ag 3, and look forward to start electrical wiring.

On Thursday, Dr Foster came for a coaching visit. He, Mr Brown, Mr Turner, and myself sat down and had a really good conversation about my progress. We identified that our focus for the last 4 weeks would be more thorough lesson planning, and better utilization of those plans. We will work to ensure that I have a quality lesson plan in front of me each class I teach for the remainder of the experience. I know I can stand and present, and I look forward to improving in that area with better planning. Here's to what is to come in these last 4 weeks!!


(I really love these photos Dr Foster took. Apparently my oxyacetylene apple didn't fall far from the Dr Ewing tree. I am ok with that) 

Teaching Bluejays: The Weird Week (Week 10)

Because of the nature of week 10, I originally decided to include it's notes in my week 11 blog. Knowing me, a simple accounting of events turned in to a #deep reflection. I decided I would take my notes from last Friday and make this separate post.

Here is what made this week so crazy.. I did not teach students all week. From Sunday to Monday, I was with Mr Turner and 5 students at SLLC in Harrisburg (see separate post). We returned home Monday night, and proceeded to receive 23+ inches of snow in Bloomsburg. That caused school to be canceled from Tuesday-Friday. That didn't matter to me, because Wednesday evening I left to stay with family near Philly for an interview in New Jersey on Thursday. After that interview ended at 1pm, I did a "turn-n-burn" for State College for our student each seminars at 6pm that night and all day Friday. And on a personal family note, I drove home after the seminars to watch my sister's musical and visit with family from out of state, and even out of the USA! When all was said and done, my "week off" consisted of 2 feet of snow, 800 miles and 5 stops in 2 states. I didn't get to accomplish as much work as it may seem, but I still had some good take-aways.

I want my classroom to be a place for all to feel accepted. Thursday night was a part of our inclusion series, and was focused around LGBTQ issues. I am still trying to come to terms with this controversial topic in my mind. I am not any closer to having a stance on that issue in that respect, but I know that as a professional educator, my personal beliefs are overshadowed by a desire for student success. Most of the information I have heard about these issues have been rooted in propaganda and opinions, so I appreciated a chance to have an earnest discussion of ideas based around the facts. I am willing to do whatever it takes to ensure each student has an equal chance to feel appreciated and succeed in my class, regardless of how they identify.

Successful teaching is a journey, not a destination. I have been going non-stop these past few weeks, weather I have been in the classroom or not. At the end of the day I may be exhausted and have a lot left to accomplish, but I know I can shut my eyes each night feeling confident that I am moving forward.

And lastly, relating to the statement above, I know I am surrounded by a network of peers and mentors who care about my success. I feel alone in this a lot, especially when the student leave, I work alone at school in to the evening, and then go home alone. I spend so much time focused on caring about others that it makes me truly happy to have a chance to come together with my cohort members and family where we can honestly and openly care about each other. I forget how lucky I am to be where I am, and I will spend my last few weeks of student teaching refusing to take that for granted.

Notes on SLLC

Our Pres. was nominated chair of
his caucus

Greetings from my apartment, which is currently surrounded by 20 or so inches of snow. At the time I am writing this reflection, I should be in the capital building in Harrisburg with Mr Turner and 5 outstanding members, concluding the 2017 Statewide Legislative Leadership Conference. This conference was supposed to run from Sunday to Tuesday, but apron our arrival it was announced that everything after lunch on Monday would be canceled due to weather. While I feel bad that neither my students or myself got to experience the full conference, I am satisfied that a premier learning experience was had by all.

While this was my first time at SLLC, I have lots of experience with 4-H Capital Days, which is almost a mirror image of this conference. At capital days I got to experience the process as a member and as a state officer. This time around, I got to experience a conference as an advisor. I'll admit it was nice to let the students go and spend time with other ag teachers. I compare it to a parent watching their kids sporting event on the bleachers with other parents. While there is not much work to do during the game itself, it is nice to interact with others like you and watch the success unfold.

I should point out that the time with other teachers was far from idle. On Sunday I helped judge proficiency award applications, and Monday I participated in professional development. I also learned a few chaperoning tips along the way, such as.. note your students room numbers before you give them the key cards, so you can find the rooms when it is time to do bed checks.

I was most proud of the reflection I led on the van ride home. Going back to my DSA experiences, I know the value of timely reflection after an experience. I got to hear what everyone did, talk through the value of the conference in their own life, and helped them develop a sense of purpose to this time out side of the classroom. I love the impact conferences have on students, and look forward to many more in the future!

Teaching Bluejays: Thoughts from the Shop (Week 9)

This week was split 50/50 between lab and shop time, in attempt to finish the plant science and fastener units and start welding and woodworking units in Ag 1 and Ag 2. I lost a day on Friday due to a snow day, but I gave me more time to prep for whats to come.

The way I structured my week was to have class days on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, and shop days on Tuesday/Thursday. As I mentioned last week, the upcoming Fasteners unit assessment caused problems due to using the standard assessments, but those issues cleared up on Monday, and students were able to spend the rest of the week in the shop. Plant Science was able to spend two days in the greenhouse transplanting after notes were finished. Students loved this, and (even though I announced each day's plans on Monday and again each day) the "are we in the greenhouse" question rang out every day as students entered the room.

"Shop time" was on my mind a lot this week, partially because there was so much of it. In fact, on Tuesday every single class was either in the shop or the greenhouse, and it was one of my best days so far. Why was that? A day in the shop requires prep and cleanup work just as a day of material introduction does, but it is a different kind that I enjoy much more. I enjoy seeing the students get to create something to be proud of, and interact with each other. It plays in to a student centered classroom. Students love it as much as I do, but this week it felt like a reward for getting though notes, not a valued part of the learning process.

I have had a hard time breaking the mold of standardized notes days, shop days, and demo days. Part of it comes from the preset culture that I am teaching in. And yes, I can probably push myself even harder to try new things. Here is where I struggle. I feel like I am more of a traditional ag teacher.. to a point. I have never felt like the type of individual who wants to try the hottest new thing, but the idea of doing so has always appealed to me. I want more student centered, inquiry based education but struggle with the how. In plant science, an area that isn't my strong suit, I was proud of how I changed up the learning atmosphere. However with two separate welding units on the horizon I really want to break the "we need to cover these notes before we can go to the shop" feeling. But how? I'm not exactly comfortable with saying "Here is a welding booth, you have all the materials you need, see if you can figure out how to use lots of electricity to melt metal together!". More on this idea as I continue my experience. 

In conclusion, I am uneasy that next week we hit double digests with week 10. I feel like I have been in a rut with my progression through material (mostly due to outside circumstances) and I am anxious that the end is on the horizon. Next week I hope I can get some repose with SLLC and our second seminar. Maybe I can get some answers to my shop dilemma and get a fresh shot of inspiration.

Teaching Bluejays: Keeping the Rythm (Week 8)

Week 8 was not defined by any major events, relating to student teaching. I had the opportunity to attend the 4-H advisory council meeting on Monday night, bur for the most part it was business as usual at Central Columbia.

My biggest source of growth came from trying to finish unit content. I have to use Mr Brown and Mr Turners summitive assessments because they were approved by the district. I write my own and am able to make the units my own, but I have to make sure that the students are prepared for the assessments. In fasteners, I have to go back and cover some content that I missed when I went trough the unit the first time. It is annoying (especially because everyone including me is totally over that unit) but necessary. I will also be going back and double checking other unit assessments, making sure that I didn't miss anything in preparing my other units.

My plant science unit also relates to that content idea. There is so much in that unit that I can teach, I have had a hard time remembering how basic I need to make things for freshman in high school. With that being said, that unit is also coming to a fast close, so I am now able to have students in the greenhouse planting and transplanting for the spring plant sale!. That was the highlight of my week, seeing everyone working and engaged but also getting to see individual personalities shine through in that interaction.

A few other notes to mention, I believe I have 4 students that I will be working with to enter the Teach Ag! Essay contest. Looking forward to that being in the works. Also, I created a portfolio in the evenings after school and had my first job interview on Friday!

With the end of the majority of my current units on the horizon, the focus of this coming week will be assessments. I am looking forward to the reset opportunity of new units, and continuing my mindset shift from student teacher to first year teacher!

Teaching Bluejays: Seeing Success (Week 7)

My 7th week consisted of a Monday off, and a bit of craziness along the way. In the end, It was a typical crazy week in the life of an ag teacher, but there were students with plaques at the end of it, making the struggles seem worth it.

As I mentioned in the last blog, I was challenged to act as the second teacher for 2 days while Mr Turner was out. Well, he fell ill on during his time away. When I arrived Tuesday morning, I found an email from him saying that he would be our that day. On Wednesday, he came in but could make it and had to leave around lunch time. Now it did not necessarily mean that I had to drastically change my plans, but just like the two school days prior, it meant more time as "the guy", teaching my slate of classes independently, without the safety net of another teacher in the room. I am starting to shift my mindset from succeeding as a student teacher. to succeeding as a first year ag teacher. This was excellent practice, and I am now feeling even more comfortable with teaching a full load each day.

I will also throw in a quick note about our advisory council meeting. It was a pleasure to meet everyone, and there were several comments to both Mr Brown and myself from the members saying they were impressed with my progress. Along with the meeting came some great stories on how they have used the advisory council to advocate for the program in the past.

Wednesday was also my second observation from Dr Foster. The biggest issue we found and tried to tackle is lesson planning. I find it hard, at least in this step of the journey, to write plans for days and days in advance. It leads to me preparing somewhat last minute. Right now I can make it work really well, but I can not let that be a habit to continue in the future. I do enjoy how much more relaxed days can be when I have everything placed, and I know there are days that will force you to take that preparedness for granted.
Also, I can not for the life of me teach from a lesson plan through out the class. For each class I know what I want to, and I make it happen. I dont need a lesson in front of me to remind me. The craziness in my mind makes sense to me, but not really to anyone else. What I should do is keep a clearer lesson plan paper trail for the sake of next time I teach it, or others who may need to utilize it. Right now writing detailed lesson plans is busy work, a necessary evil. I need to find some sort of format or groove to make it a more worth while preparation.

Overall with my observation, I know that it was more of an average to below average day. With that in mind, the feedback I received gave me confidence moving forward.

On Friday, I could see some of the fruits of my labor. We hosted the area public speaking CDE competitions, which I have helped Mr Brown set up and plan. I have also been working with our 3 creed speakers, which I am proud to say that out of 11 total participants, those three placed 1-2-3! (Get out the broom, we have a sweep!) We are sending many students to the regional competition, and I cant wait to keep working with them!
These smiling faces say it all. I love being a teacher and a mentor and I'm thankful to be doing this every day, where I am doing it. Week 7 is gone already, almost half way. Bring it on!

Teaching Bluejays: Ah Ha Moments (Week 6)

This week had a little bit of everything, as far as the life of an ag teacher goes. I got to experience the changing of one unit to the other for the first time, attended my first school board meeting as a teacher, and got to play the roll of the second teacher in a two teacher program. The struggles of teaching started to shine through for me, but at the end of the day I was still rewarded with those "ah-ha!" moments that make it all worth it.

Agronomy team presenting to the school board

Monday night, I attended the Central Columbia school board February meeting along with Mr Brown, Mr Turner, two chapter officers, and our state 2nd place agronomy team. I learned that February is the meeting that the chapter presents at each year, a choice Mr Brown made because of National FFA week, and it is the meeting where the budget report is presented. Through a series of events, they had their typical thank you/FFA week/etc presentation, AND the agronomy team got to present on their trip to Big E. We got to show off student success, justify days out of school by showing how those days connect to class content, and provide an example of how we use technology (ipads) in class. I'm glad I got to learn school board meeting strategy while student teaching.

2 Student Teachers, 1 Workshop
We got Mackenzie Appleman (Doug's last student teacher
before me) to participate, trying on PPE 

On Wednesday I got to very my instruction by teaching to an adult audience. Mr Brown and I took the morning and traveled to the Columbia County Ag Conference to present pesticide safety to the members of the ag community (mostly farmers). Our materials ironically came from Kelly Lowery at PSU Pesticide Ed, who presented to us at the pre-internship seminar. I learned that with an adult audience you might not get enthusiastic participation, but the individuals will still give you the respect you need to teach. Teaching with high energy may not be as naturally accepted as it is with high schoolers, but you still need to capture and hold interest. Doug and I were some of the only presenters who used audience participation to demonstrate our objectives (pesticide spill cleanup and biomagnification) and we ended up being named the highest rated workshops of the conference! Not bad for the morning! After that, we returned to teach 7th and 8th period.

Thursday and Friday became a true test for me. Mr Turner took his personal days, leaving me as (unofficially) the second teacher. I will say that there were no major mishaps, and business was able to continue as normal. With that being said, on Thursday, I experienced one of my biggest "roller coaster" days thus far.

My first period prep went as normal and I felt prepared to attack the day. My plumbing ID activity flopped second period, mostly my fault. Period three started with no one remembering if group 1 or 2 was with me or Mr Brown. the massive push-back and lack of cooperation caused my nerves to fry, further compounded by the fact that the bellwork activity I prepared included content that this group had not reached yet. (Again, my fault) For Mr Brown and I's prep 4th period, he and I worked together to diagnose issues and repair my sanity. I said that I also wasn't 100% confident on the plant science content for 5th and 8th period, so we went over that. During that time I made a connection in my head and had a light bulb moment, which turned into me changing the lesson around a new interest approach over lunch.

Long story short: we watched a video of a space shuttle launch and then went along with business as normal. At the end of the lesson, I brought things full circle and compered the rocket boosters to cotyledons, and fuel tank to endosperm. It worked beautifully. It was the best I have ever "set the hook" on a lesson. Mr Brown was observing and told me about student reactions I did not notice. One student, who is in AP Bio, exclaimed "wow this all total makes sense now!" and another "hard sell" student thought "wow this is so cool". After the bell rang Mr Brown forced me to stop and enjoy what had just happened. It was a true come-from-behind redemption moment for me; one that I will remember for a long time.

So in conclusion, this week I got too see school board, adult audience instruction, and I was reminded that in teaching you have the opportunity to start again each class of the day. Ill end with some words of wisdom. Mr Brown passed them on to me just as they were told to him when he was in my shoes: In teaching there is a lot of planning and politics that go in to the job, but the best moments you will ever have are when you get to forget all of that, shut the door, and teach students for 46 minutes.