Fall Leadership Workshop

Yesterday the cohort and shadow teachers headed to the Fall Leadership Conference to facilitate FFA officer workshops. This was a day full of learning and adventure for both the students and teachers!

Myself, Jessie, Mindy, and our shadow teacher Laura had the honor to facilitate the vice president workshop or the superheros of the FFA officer team! The two and half hour workshop was designed to teach the officers skills they would need to become a successful vice president of their chapter. Through activities we reached several objectives which included:

1. Explain the five responsibilities of the vice president.
2. Recite the vice president's opening ceremonies part.  
3. Explain the vice-presidents role within committees. 
4. Define the three parts of a POA.
5. Demonstrate creating a draft POA. 

We completed several activities with them to make sure these concepts were understood. The students first took to the stage (the middle of the classroom) to act out scenarios showcasing what happens when the president needs their help! The students were really energetic and did a great job taking control of hectic situations. Next we completed a balloon popping race to put together the opening ceremony script and practice it with confidence! I was surprised how intimidated the students were but by the end of the activity they were more confident and some even had it memorized. 

Laura then talked a little about the importance of organization and how good organization helps the chapter be successful year after year. As our shadow teacher she did an excellent job facilitating and it was fun when I got the chance to make the students laugh and role play with her what happens when a binder is unorganized. We then reflected as a group on the aspects of committees, shared with a partner, and then put our thoughts on poster boards for the whole class to share. We all gained a lot of good ideas from this and ways to improve what our chapter is already doing. Last Mindy talked about the POA and we outlined a big POA on the wall. This activity went really well and I think the students gained more understanding on why the POA is beneficial. 

Overall I think it was a great workshop! The students were engaged and excited to learn. I think as facilitators our energy level was really high which made the students want to get engaged. 

We even had en exciting trip home when my cooperating school's van broke down we jumped in to help. Running to lowes for parts to fix a water hose line on their van.