As I wrap up my time student teaching at Big Spring Middle/High School, one quote rings true by one of my favorite people, Reba McEntire. "To succeed in life, you need three things: a backbone, a wishbone, and a funny bone." I needed a backbone to stand up for myself and what I wanted through this experience. Plus, I needed a backbone in order to stand firm in the rules and regulations that I had set in my classroom for several reasons, but mostly to have a backbone to support my students and what they want to learn/are passionate about. However, I also needed a wishbone to wish, dream, and be creative when it comes to lesson plans and how I can engage and educate students on agricultural topics. Without the wishbone, educators become stagnant- stuck in a rut that not only affects your teaching experience, but also how students learn and engage in the classroom and with the teacher. Overall, you need a funny bone to keep your head above water. Regardless of what people say, I can tell you firsthand that teaching is not easy, especially being a student teacher in agricultural education as I have found. You are constantly busy and planning to make the best experience for your students. No matter how busy or challenging that teaching can be, you need to laugh. Laugh at yourself because in everything you are still learning alongside your students. Laughing with students to build rapport and create memories that overshadow the challenges. Just laugh and you will feel better! Thus, this was the theme of my student-teaching experience more than any numbered list of moments that this blog could give. Therefore, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and others! Step outside of your comfort zone and try new things, even if you might fail or not go to "your" plan! Enjoy life and teaching with laughter!
Thank you, Penn State and Big Spring for this experience!
Just Keeping It Veal,
-Ms. Emily Jay
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