New Beginnings

    Welcome back to my blog! It has been a crazy few weeks ever since we finished off the semester with our final presentations. I can't believe my 1st week of student teaching is completed and now it is time to reflect on the experience. From Farm Show on Monday to observing Mrs. Rice and Mr. Deysher at Oley Valley, it has been a crazy week filled with various learning opportunities and experiences. 

    This past Monday was officially my 1st day of student teaching, however we weren't in the classroom. I was able to join Mrs. Rice and Mr. Deysher as they watched 9 of their students receive their FFA jackets and 3 students receive their Keystone Degrees at the PA Mid-Winter Convention. This was my very first time at the PA Farm Show (crazy, I know!) but I had an awesome time! I was able to explore all of the different vendors and traditions that come along with the Farm Show, which included having a Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association milkshake every time I went. I was also able to watch Mid-Winter Convention where I learned a lot more about opening ceremonies and how  FFA plays a vital role in an Ag program. It was nice to see students get recognized for their hard work and dedication to agriculture that they do in and outside of the classroom. 


    Once I moved into my new apartment and got settled in I was able to go into the classroom and observe Mrs. Rice and Mr. Deysher in action. Although I was told about the amount of time and dedication it takes to be an Ag teacher, I truly didn't understand what those words meant until I joined them as they carried out their day to day responsibilities. From asking maybe too many questions to attending various meetings and after school activities, I learned so much in just the 3 days of being in the classroom. 


    Mr. Deysher taught how to take an ultrasound on a pregnant ewe in his Vet Teach courses and students had the awesome opportunity to actually complete this skill. On Thursday, two community members brought 4 of their ewes to the school for students to use the ultrasound machine on. It was so cool to see the students in action and learn alongside them, as this was something completely new to me as well! 


    I had a great 1st week at Oley Valley and I can't wait to begin teaching the students in Ag Environmental Science, which is the first class I'll be picking up this upcoming week. I'm becoming a lot more familiar with the school district and the surrounding area near my apartment and I'm very excited for the rest of the semester. However, after only about 5 day of living alone I bought a fish! I hope you enjoyed reading my update and feel free to leave any comments/advice below as I begin my student teaching journey! 

- Lauren :)

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