Please enjoy what I learned from conversations with the following teachers while at the 2021 NAAE National Convention
Darla Romberger
At a workshop about plant science, I gleaned more than just photosynthesis and cellular respiration. While I spoke with Ms. Darla Romberger, I learned that you've got to make an agricultural education career work for you. For instance, she shared that her current position at Cumberland Valley is where she has started and will likely remain for the rest of her career. Why? Because she loves the demographic of student and the fact that she lives out of the school district. This gives her the opportunity to separate home and life as teaching agriculture is a very community intensive occupation.
Dave Steinfeldt
During dinner at the Gumbo Shop, I spoke with Mr. Dave Steinfeldt where I discovered the feasibility of long distance relationships. Of course, this isn't necessarily business but it is part of my life as it relates to my career. He shared that he had a long distance relationship with a young lady for the first year of their career. This is important for me to consider because sometimes young folk such as myself get caught up in making sure that we can be living near or with our significant other.
David Black
Mr. Black is a retired agricultural educator from Kentucky. He shared some wonderful insights as he facilitated a workshop for pre service teacher candidates. Something that stuck out to me was what he mentioned about being sure you have a good work life balance. Sometimes the best way to do this is integrating your life into your work. He went as far as praying with his students. Maybe that will fly in Kentucky, and some places here in Pennsylvania, but surely not everywhere.
