Week One in the Books!

     My week started on Monday with a teacher inservice day. This was said to be the most exciting inservice day I would ever attend and I can say thats probably true. The high school is looking to improve elective classes for students by designing a clear pathway of classes for ultimate student success. To us in the ag world we already know a lot about  scope and sequences for our programs because we get funding from the state and endure a annual state audit. So I spent that day "showing what I know" as Dr. Foster would say and helping other departments in the school. Shout out to Dr. Ewing and AEE 313 Program Planning.

     The rest of the week was hetic as I took on my first class! I planned and planned and planned some more but in the end I'm not sure I got the result I wanted from the students. I was advised that it was just something that would come with time. I believe that good teachers continue to work until they see success in their students.

     While this might seem small I was pleased with the way I set up the classroom. I did a few icebreakers to get to know the students and then kept their notecards so I could try to associate their names with a favorite hobby and study later on my own. After passing out a small syllabus I explained the procedures, expectations, and consequences. This was all outlined in the syllabus and is simply to keep the teacher and students on the same page. Last I had the students set up their bell work books. These will hold answers to the daily bell work and ticket out questions. I will check it weekly and count it as part of the student participation. This was we can review topics discussed in class and I can also use the ticket out to learn about my students.

      Ending this week I feel a little frustrated with myself. I know I expect too much. I work so hard on every lesson I just want it to be perfect and I get upset when it doesn't work out the way I planned or when the students aren't understanding. My advisors say that it's ok to feel that way but I have to realize that it's not always going to be perfect or go just the way I want it to.

    I was feeling glad it was Friday today and then something happened. I was making copies this morning when another teacher walked in. He asked me if I taught my first lesson yet. I proceeded to tell him how I had been teaching one class for majority of the week. He then proceeded to ask me how it was going and I said it was going ok, a little challenging but I think I could catch on with time. He responded that he knew I would succeed because he could tell by the smile on my face. At first I laughed because I didn't know this teacher at all but the little encouraging moments like that are what let you know your in the right place.

My Cooperating Teacher Mr. Jon Hines and Mrs. Ayla Miller 

Everyone makes funny mistakes when just starting a new job…others just have blonde moments. I won't categorize myself you can decide. But I always like to share for a good laugh.

Meagan Moment- Finally found the right copier after using the one designated for the athletic department. #facepalm there's too many!