Few people outside of Ag Education understand what we do in the summer. Although we do not typically have students in class we are still teaching students and preparing ourselves and our program for the next year. In our county we have to turn in a summer plan of each day’s activities to the CTE Director and our Principal. I think of it as a to do list and or guide and although it is May I have already got plans for most days. Oh sure I have State Convention, FFA Camp, and Ag Teacher’s Conference that take up some of the summer ( Mr. Jessup likes going to SLC so I usually take vacation that week). I try to attend at least two in-service workshops each summer and not necessarily in the area I teach now. I have taught Horticulture, Animal Science, Ag Mechanics, Ag Production and Agriscience and have found the workshops to be very helpful and an important part of the summer that gives me a chance to find out what other teachers are doing.
The Ag Teacher’s Creed says “I will endeavor to develop professionally through study, travel, and exploration.” The summer is a great time to fulfill this part of our creed. Do take vacation time for yourself and family especially spending time with your own children. They will not always be at home (we hope) and this is important in recharging your focus and energy. Mr. Davis and I used to take a day to go surf fishing to mark the end of one year and the beginning of another (vacation day). My vacations have taken me to various parts of the US and Canada so that I have a better idea of what life is like in both cities and rural areas outside of NC.
We also need to spend time working on facilities and repairing equipment. I usually go by Federal Surplus to buy replacement tools and equipment very cheap. Preparing for our livestock facility and riding across NC to find livestock is something that has to be done. Making contact with students is important and we do that when we have our mum planting time, SAE visits, officer retreat and Program of Activities planning. We usually are in contact with some of our students each week and this helps to build relationships that help in the classroom.
Some years our county’s Ag teachers have gone on tours to other programs across the state to glean ideas and reinforce that camaraderie that makes our profession so unique. I have never had a day in the summer that I have not had more to do than I could get done and probably never will. The Ag Teachers Creed also says “I will strive to set before my students by my deeds and actions the highest standards of citizenship for the community, state and nation’. Spending the summer working with students, developing our knowledge, and improving our program and ourselves lets the public see that we are setting a high standard with our deeds and actions.
Tim Warren, Agriculture Teacher, Hobbton High School
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