Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers

Virtual Mentoring

Guest: Tiffany Morey from Pennsylvania State University

Main Points:

• Covid-19 forced teachers to become more reliant on technology, mentoring was a major aspect that moved to a digital format.
• Teachers’ self-efficacy online has increased exponentially in recent years, providing new ways to reach students
• The internet is an overwhelming place. We must continue to share worthwhile online resources with our fellow teachers

Metacognition: How Teachers Interpret Student Thinking

Guest: Buddy McKendree from Michigan State University

Youth and Adult Partnerships

Guests: Hunter-Anne Julian and Caleb Hickman from University of Kentucky

Main Points: These partnerships breakdown into four core elements:

• • Authentic decision making
  • Natural mentorship
  • Reciprocal activity
  • Community connectiveness

Extended Contracts

Guests: Kendra Flood and Kevin Curry from Pennsylvania State University

• Teachers should keep a log of total hours dedicated toward completion of the Three Circle Model so they can keep administrators aware.
• Extended Contracts are not for everyone, a teacher can get burnt out!
• Research shows younger teachers are more likely to want extended contracts when compared to more experienced teachers.

Alternatively Certified Ag Teachers

Guest: Kellie Claflin from Virginia Tech University

The Importance of Mentors

Guest: Brandie Disberger from Kansas State University

Main Points:

• Fresh teachers can fear what they do not know. It’s ok to ask questions!A formal mentor can go a long way.
• Find someone that will constructively reflect with you.
• One mentor does not fit all. Build yourself a network of people you can go to for different things.

Why do Ag Teachers Stay Teaching?

Guests: Jay Solomonson from Illinois State University

• The presence of a support system is one of the biggest factors that keep teachers in the classroom. This can be support from administration, family, or both.
• Teachers need recognition too. Everyone wants their hard to work to be acknowledged in some way.
• Teachers want to make an impact on students. The more they are prepared and knowledgeable in their subject, the more their students learn.

Organizing Agricultural Mechanics Labs

Guests: Erik Johnson, Alicia Lund, Brooke Theil from North Dakota State University

• Always be prepared when requesting funds to purchase equipment. Have resources ready to validate your program’s needs.
• Keep a running list of needs. An administrator may find money that needs to be spent at any time.
• Teachers need to play the long game. Plan on acquiring equipment over time

COVID-19 Roundtable Part 2

Guests: Kasee Smith from University of Idaho, Raegan Ramage from Louisiana State University, Aaron McKim from Michigan State University, Tyson Sorensen from Utah State University

• We have seen an increase in efficiency. A lot can be accomplished through virtual meetings.
• Everyone’s teaching experience was different during the peak of COVID. Do not be afraid to continue or discontinue certain practices.
• Students are now much more grateful for opportunities, like going to contests, since they went without for a year.

COVID-19 Roundtable Part 1

Guests: Kasee Smith from University of Idaho, Raegan Ramage from Louisiana State University, Aaron McKim from Michigan State University, Tyson Sorensen from Utah State University

• More experienced teachers have a newfound proficiency in modern technology as a result of the pandemic.
• COVID took away a lot of key aspects of teaching that contribute to job satisfaction.
• Teachers are more likely to reach out to others for resources following the isolation of the pandemic.