Experiencing the Week as a Student: Student Teaching ATHENS Style

"Wait... we still have school this week!"With school only Monday-Wednesday, this week was a short but VERY Busy one! The students were certainly not pleased to have school before the break, but don't worry, I made sure to remind them that we are so lucky to have an extended break! With only one snow day under our belt, we got two extra days off for Easter! WOOT WOOT!

This three day week (well four for teachers) was a doozy though! Between some visits, CDEs, and pesticide exams, I actually experienced much of this week as a student myself, and really learned a lot. I was also very purposeful this week of learning about students' assignments in other classes. This recognition of the work and stress of having many assignments due at once helped me to understand my students better. There were also many plans that didn't really work out (visits with professors and online meetings being rescheduled) so this was a helpful reminder to recognize that plans are good, but they change, and that is alright. All in all, it was a great week!

Monday: Crazy day! Prepared for the public speaking even on Tuesday, finalized sub plans, had several students make up exams, and got to work more in the shop. We also had Mr. Madden from PSU Pesticide Education come help us to learn more about the pesticide certification process. It was different sitting back and being the student for a change as Mr. Madden gave us hints and helped us study for the exam!

Crossing over to the other side of the desk #StudentStatus

I also felt the stress of preparing for the exam which we took on Thursday! Nervous!!!

I then finalized the substitute plans for Tuesday and Mr. Steinfelt and I went to the Athens FFA Alumni Meeting Monday night. While there were only about five other people, it was a very enjoyable night, and I am very encouraged by the passion and enthusiasm that the Alumni has!

 Tuesday was the Bradford County CDE day! We took 23 students to Canton Area HS to compete in Jr. and Sr. Prepared Public Speaking, Creed, Extemporaneous, and Tractor Driving. The night before I was a WRECK! I was reciting the creed in my mind, revisiting the students speech manuscripts etc. I was really thinking about the students and how nervous they must have felt! I was excited and nervous all at the same time. I has worked with all 23 of these students. From reading their manuscript several times to practicing during tutorial and after school. etc. I was able to help with the Tractor Driving Competition with Mr. Steinfelt and Mr. Shanbacher from Troy. It was an awesome experience.



Hess's Farm Equipment generously let us use their new equipment! The boys were very excited!

I learned a lot about the competition by judging and keeping the score.

We had two students from Athens compete!

Athens FFA did very well at the event! We had students place first in every public speaking division except Junior Prepared! In fact, we had the top three in Creed, and so we have six students total moving on to the regional competition. Mr. Steinfelt was extremely excited about this, and we treated the students to a delicious treat on the way back. The most important thing, we told them, was not to get first but to do the best they possibly could! Anyone who leaves this competition having given it their 100% effort is a winner! I am SO incredibly proud of our students!

I Scream You Scream We all Scream for Ice Cream!

Was very excited to treat our students after a day of hard work!

Wednesday was a busy day of finalizing items (the end of the marking period) and review items that the students had accomplished with the substitute. I was upset to find that while we had a very pleasant and encouraging day at the competition, two of my class periods gave the substitute a very hard time. Needless to say, our substitute will be receiving apology notes the next time we see her!
We also got 1,800 plants for the Greenhouse! That's a lot of plants! They arrived at noon (after Horticulture of course!!) but with the long weekend ahead we had All Hands on Deck!!!

The Ag Mechanics Class was surprised to be working in the Greenhouse!

All hands on deck to help! Students came to help during study hall! We have dedicated students!

We got flowers and peppers!

Wednesday night, I was able to study a bit for the Pesticide Certification exam, and I visited some students' SAE project!

Thursday it was finally time for the exam! Mr. Steinfelt, three students and I went to the Extension Office to take our respective Pesticide Applicators License! This was another instance where I was able to connect with the students, being nervous and anxiously awaiting the exam!

This week was certainly unique. Experiences as a student helped me to be more conscious of my students and their work load at the end of the marking period. I also was able to celebrate successes with my students for attending and participating at the Public Speaking Events!

I am learning so much everyday! This experience is helping me to see the total Ag Program, as well as the many hats that ag teachers wear. From getting certified to acting as a mentor and Ag Advisor, ag teachers have a lot of different roles! I am feeling so blessed to be in a program that wholeheartedly sees all of these responsibilities, and ultimately always puts the students first.

Thanks for reading!
Sb