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!