Maximize your summer time

Ahhhhhhh, sigh of relief! It's summer time!(I know some of you are still winding down, you got this)I am pretty sure teachers are more excited about summer than students.And I know we still work in the summer. A lot of ag teachers across the nation have extended contracts throughout the summer to engage with students through the three circle model.For me, that looks like two weeks of camps we put on, one week of FFA camp, a half-week of professional development at our state conference, three days of hosting my own virtual summer conference, a couple days of officer training, days of SAE visits, two days a week with students at our farm and more.Doesn't sound like much of a summer, but OH IT IS.Wanna maximize your summer time?Here is my advice for you!SCHEDULE IT ALLSeriously, to the hour. I know that if I don't schedule it (A) won't get done or (B) I'll spent too much time doing one thing that I don't have enough time to do the rest.I have to be organized with my time management or I will waste away the summer I have.I am a big fan of Google Calendar, its quick and easy and always accessible. If you know you have a really busy week (for me camp weeks are crazy), make sure you schedule some breaks afterword to relax with the family or go on a little vacation!I like to break up my summer so I have some time for my own bucket filling, while still getting all the required time of my contract completed.So, how do you spend your summer?Let me know!

Invest in yourself

"The only person you need to be better than, is the person you were yesterday." -Rachel HollisI am about to embark on a crazy journey in the next 16 months really digging deep into myself, my personality, my leadership style, my weaknesses, my quirks and more.I am more than excited.But, this is an investment. Of my time and my money. And no, none of this is required by my school/county/state.But, I am committed to staying green and growing. So, I am investing the time and the money into myself.And I think you should too. YOU are your biggest investment. Yup, YOU!What do you invest in for you? A celebration here, a new outfit there, maybe a workout plan, what else? What about a couple hours of space and silence? What about a friends weekend away? What about that new book you've been dying to read that is sitting on your shelf collecting dust? What about that podcast that your friend sent you?Investing in yourself doesn't have to be monetary bound. I have grown so much in my personal life, teaching life, leadership life, and business life through free resources.Through things like podcasts (for personal, teaching and business), I've downloaded a billion free lead magnets from some of the best teachers, leaders, bosses around the country. I've watched countless videos on YouTube that have challenged me in my leadership skills.Where do you want to grow?It's time for you to start investing in that ONE area of growth. Invest your time and/or your money.Wanna great place to start? Invest some time and a small amount of money to learn from ag teachers across the county at GERMINATE 2019.

Why we need to remember

I think we live in a time where we don't remember the past (as much) as we are thinking toward the future.I am one of those people. I tend to imagine my future and all the opportunities at my feet. I try and stay ahead.But, today is a reminder to stop, pause and remember.Memorial Day is not for barbecues, mattress sales, and no school, although they have become synonymous with this day.Today we remember those who fell while protecting the lives of people they never met.Those from way before we (or even out parents/grandparents) were thought of.Those chose to serve, when we chose our own path into adulthood.Those who we will never know their name, face, or story.Remember them. Thank them. And never forget.

Try, before you are ready

I had an interview a few weeks back.I wasn't ready for it.To be honest, the spring before school lets out is an insane time for a teacher. But, this is a once in every two year chance so I went for it.I was way out of my comfort zone being the only secondary education teacher there with loads of agriculture industry professionals from executive directors, managers, business owners and more.I wasn't ready for it, but I tried anyway.Have you ever heard the saying "If you wait until you are ready to do something, you'll never do it."Kinda reminds me of parenting, if my husband and I waited until we were ready/prepared/all knowledgeable about child rearing we would NEVER have kids.You just do the best you can, say a prayer, and hope for the best.We should do more of that, we should encourage our kids to do more of that.When was the last time you tried something new, exciting, and frightening and you knew you weren't ready for it?Can you remember?I bet the outcome was either (A) amazing, indescribable, exhilarating or (B) terrible, not what you expected and never trying that again. Outcome (B) isn't bad, you LEARNED something right? That is what life is A-L-L about!Let's keep doing things we aren't ready for, I truly think that is where the amazingness happens. And don't forget to get your kid to too!So TRY, before you are ready.

End of the year ideas

I feel like the last few weeks of the school year are a marathon sprint.Doesn't make much sense eh? Well, I mean that it seems SO LONG, but you have to get everything done in record speed, like a marathon sprint.So, to help you out. Here are a few ideas you can implement quickly and easily during this crazy end of the school year season!Check out FOUR end of the year ideas below (some with links)!ENJOY!COURSE REFLECTION PAPERYup, a course reflection.Why? The kids give you their honest opinion (seriously, high schoolers don't hold back) and you can keep them busy with a great activity that reminds them about all they learned AND in turn you get feedback on how to improve your class next year...I'd say that is a win win!Do it anyway you want! If you need help, click below for my COURSE REFLECTION PAPER resource that I use EVERY year with my classes.SAE PRESENTATIONSI know a LOT of you do this already.I absolutely love learning about students SAEs at the end of the year, especially with my newbie aggies.I have my students do a three-day long expo. They all have to present their SAE to the class, but can choose to so a SPEECH, HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION or a FAIR BOARD.The kids choose what feels right for them.Click below for access to the free document I share with my kiddos!TEACHER 1-on-1 MEETINGSI have seriously LOVED having teacher 1-on-1 meetings with my kids. Just this week I met with a student who in January wanted to get a job and I helped her with the application, then in March we met and she had gotten the job and her first paycheck. Then this week she told me she got a promotion! How amazing! I love seeing that growth.Even if you haven't met periodically with your students, you could have a end of year meeting just to check in with them. I really think this builds rapport with your students and allows you to really engage with them.Check out the Teacher Meeting Sheet I use. Feel free to make a copy and edit for your needs!AET RECORDBOOKSIf you use the AET, you can easily have students turn in a complete record book report for part of their final activities in class. Students will have to ensure that they did SAE descriptions, plans, time investments, pictures, captions etc. Once completed the AET makes a PDF for them that they can print and give to you or submit as a PDF online. Easy peasy! Added bonus, this allows you to evaluate who looks like they are getting to the point to submit a proficiency or state degree!