Week 9 As the Intern - The Joys and Discomforts of Agricultural Education Life

During My Past 9 Weeks as a Student Teaching Intern at Big Spring High School, I've Realized There Are a Few Things I like About Teaching... and A Few Things I don't Like About Teaching. 

What I Like (So Far)

I like that there are some students that look up to me. On days that I feel low, it helps to have a 14 year old boy tell me that I'm his favorite teacher.

I like that as a pseudo social scientist I get to try teaching strategies. Of course, some methods will flop but when you see evidence of learning, especially for hard to reach students, it's always worth it. 

I like that I get to help students accomplish goals by coaching FFA Career Development Events (CDE). Watching Creed Speakers improve gives me life as I too competed in the Creed Speaking LDE. 

I like that I am a member of my community. The local agricultural community relies on agricultural educators and FFA Advisors to perform many tasks that foster youth participation in a variety of events.

I like that I work with teachers that care about kids. My cooperating teachers care about the students we serve and it is refreshing to see. 

I like that I get out of the classroom at least once a marking period with my students! This past week we went to the grocery store for Food Science and next week I am attending an FFA Conference in Harrisburg.

I like that I can be myself around students. Listen, I'm a bit of a nut. Most of my students are completely fine with that. Others even support my shenanigans. (#glizzygang)

I like that I work with a community of like minded Agricultural Educators in Pennsylvania and the United States. These folks are 100% invested in what they do. Ag teaching isn't a job you just "settle" for. 

What I Don't Like (So Far)

I don't like that there are teachers who don't give a damn about students. If you aren't down with kids or being patient with them, then teaching probably isn't for you. That sweet pension isn't worth 30 years of disliking the people you serve.

I don't like that teachers have to fight for a professional status. Some community members may see teachers as overbearing and glorified baby sitters. 

I don't like that teaching is at least a 45 hours/week job with a 40 hours/week salary. Teacher burnout is highest in the first 5 years. That's probably because as a new teacher I've had to spend at least an extra hour each day preparing materials for tomorrow's class.

I don't like that some teachers speak ill of their students. Like are you seriously talking trash on a 16 year old?

For I Know...

The joys and discomforts of the agricultural education life are mine to decide. As with every profession or job, their will be aspects I like and dislike. However, anyone bold enough to proudly label themselves as a teacher will likely tell you the positive surely outweighs the negative. Those people have my utmost respect. 

PS...

I BELIEVE THERE ARE MORE "GOOD TEACHERS" THAN "BAD TEACHERS". 

Week 8 As the Intern - Momentum

 I Start Great Monday and Burnout Friday. Why?

Ever get a case of the Monday blues? Where everything seems to be the most onerous of tasks and lethargic tendencies reach their all time high? Well for me, I get the Friday blues.

I start the week with high energy and expectations for what is to come. While the students are yawning and brushing off the weekend, I hit them with a sneak attack of legitimate enthusiasm for the content and activities. Monday becomes my most productive day as I typically stay longer after school to complete work for the week.

Then by Friday afternoon, my students are keeping me awake with their booming energy of anticipation for the upcoming weekend. Why is it that I can't even make it to the end of the week?

Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I mostly think I just bust my bottom so hard at the front of the week that I start dragging it by the end. My hope is to go to bed earlier throughout the week to get more sleep. Also, I will distribute my work evenly among the week. 

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Visit - Eli Parthemore

 Ag Ed Students are Required to Participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Big Spring FFA Member, Eli Parthemore Works for a Local Milk Hauling and Farming Operation

Eli Parthemore, a 9th grader at Big Spring High School has been enrolled in agricultural education since his early days in middle school. To complement classroom instruction, Eli develops his content knowledge and transferrable skills by working at Barrick & Stewart Milk Hauling in Newville, PA. He performs tasks such as truck maintenance and cleaning which he says he truly enjoys.

Eli (right) and Big Spring Middle School FFA member, Jack (left) clean a semi

In addition to working on the semi's, Eli works with farm animals across the street from the Milk Hauling Company. His job duties include feeding, bedding, and cleaning the animal housing facilities. Additionally, he will perform various tasks around the farm such as clearing fencerows and landscaping. 

Eli is a bright young man with a phenomenal potential for agricultural leadership. I foresee him being an asset to any operation he commits to.