Did you do your stretches? Have to be flexible.

Check out my video post to see my two big takeaways from week three of student teaching at Lampeter Strasburg High School!

Week Two of Student Teaching at Lampeter Strasburg

Week two of student teaching was eye opening.  Monday as well as Friday were in service days.  Mrs. Oberholtzer and I made the most of it making copies, evaluating supplies, and brushing up on lessons.  The hallways were dark and quiet and I’m not sure if other teachers were tucked in their rooms or scooted out early.  Either way I saw that on days like Monday and Friday it is very important to get the most out of it.  Come in with a plan, work, work, work and make preparations you otherwise could not until the end of the regular school day. 

Fast forward to Thursday night which I had been super excited for all week.  Thursday night was our county record book meeting at Lancaster Mennonite High School.  This was the first time I got to interact with the other ag. teachers within the county.  The evening began with a short presentation from the conservation district followed by a dish to pass supper. 

After finishing our meal we began grading record books.  I was a bit nervous at first grading student’s record books.  I didn’t want to cheat any student out of points they worked so very hard for.  Sometimes things are never how they seem and the grading sheet provided to me helped me work through student’s record books off of AET.  AET really seems like a great platform for students to record their records on.  The more interaction I have with it is making me feel comfortable enough to work with students one day on my own using it.  The evening was long, but it was very enjoyable to read through students’ record books.

The other part of the evening that really warmed my heart was the laughs and conversations I had with the other ag. teachers.  Lancaster County has a very diverse group of teachers ranging in numerous years of experience, personal backgrounds, gender, and curriculum taught.  It was powerful to see the thoughtfulness and care they put into their students.  Events talked about at this meeting would not be conducted for another two months, but it takes ideal preparation for such large events to go off without a hitch.  It was also great to hear kind words from so many people about the program that I am in and the cooperating teachers I am placed with.  I am truly excited for the next 13 weeks.  Monday I begin teaching Vet Science II and agricultural mechanics wish me luck!  Stay tuned to also hear about a career speaker panel I have set up to occur in just a few short weeks! 

My First Week as the Student... Teacher

Week one of student teaching was full of many firsts along with fun an exciting moments all in between.  For those of you tuning in late or might have forgotten.  I am student teaching at Lampeter Strasburg High School located in Lancaster County.  The area is heavily agriculture production based, but intermixed with suburban areas. 

Day 1

I traveled to Farm Show with Mrs. Oberholtzer my cooperating teacher and Mr. Smith the other ag. teacher within the department with five students receiving their very own official jacket.  Monday was a lot of fun seeing my other cohort members and chatting about how their first day on the job was going.

Day 2

Was my first official day observing in the classroom.  I observed two classes of Vet Science 1. I will be teaching one class of this just one week from tomorrow.  I also observed the agricultural mechanics class which I will be teaching as well.  The afternoon brought my first department meeting.  I got to attend this and see how one functions. 

Day 3

We went back to Farm Show for the entire day taking 20 students with us this time.  It was nice walking around Farm Show with my cooperating teachers picking up helpful resources, taste testing food, talking dairy cows with producers, and seeing how you manage getting 20 students off the bus in the morning and getting 20 students back on the bus in the afternoon.

Day 4

My observation continued, but I assisted students figuring out the proper drug to use for an animal that was sick and how many milliliters to administer.  One thing I learned during this assignment is to have patience.  Some students struggle with math.  Heck I was one of those students when I was in high school.  It is exciting to see a student’s face light up when they figure out the right answer. 

Day 5

It’s finally Friday!  On Friday I got to grade students during their practicum skills assessments.  I got to observe and grade students on how well they can fill a syringe, administer a subcutaneous and intramuscular shot, halter a cow, and hold a cat.  These activities were a lot of fun for the students and me the teacher.  This part of the lesson showed me how variability is crucial during a lesson.

Some other takes from the week:

·         Getting in a routine is very beneficial

·         The gym teacher is a graduate from Athens my high school alma mater

·         Prep period is something to make the most of

·         Getting to know the office staff is of great importance

·         Speaking to students can sometimes brighten their day ten fold

An All Day Affair to a Short Afternoon at the PA Farm Show

My student teaching experience at Lampeter Strasburg High School began Monday January 11^th.  Going to high school in the Northern Tier traveling to Farm Show was an all-day affair.  However, since Lampeter Strasburg is only about forty minutes away from the Farm Show located in Lancaster County we did not leave until eleven o’clock.  In the morning I observed Vet Science 1 a class that I will begin teaching next Monday.  We did travel back to the Farm Show Wednesday for the whole day taking twenty students.    

When eleven o’clock rolled around we took five freshmen with us to receive their very own blue and gold corduroy jacket.  We met the five seniors receiving their Keystone Degrees there.  As we settled in our seats on the arena floor I was introduced to Mr. Spencer the principal of the high school.  Holly and Mr. Smith (my cooperating teachers) informed me how important it is to always invite your administration to events like this.  Something to be noted when I have my own program.

Right before the ceremony started I reflected on my journey within the FFA.  I remember being a young freshman ecstatic to be receiving my official FFA jacket.  Never would I have thought all the opportunities it would offer me throughout my high school career.  And listening to the FFA Alumni Association speaking to the over 500 students receiving their official jacket that day I was so excited for them!  I also thought about my time back at the Farm Show 4 years later when I would be receiving my Keystone Degree.  How so many people helped me along my journey towards my degree and how appreciative I was for that.  From my FFA advisor who gave me guidance and hauled my show animals to fair, my parents who encouraged me to keep working hard with my steers when I felt defeated after leading them, and my friends I met within the FFA who I made endless memories with and the opportunity to house my animals at their farm. 

Now being a student teacher and observing the convention from a different viewpoint.  I can’t wait to get started with the students I will be spending the next 14 weeks with!