Doing it Right

Football season is just around the corner.  High school, college, pro or even fantasy football – we enjoy them all!  We are impressed by the talents and skills of running backs, wide receivers, offensive and defensive linemen and the special teams.  But we always seem to pay more attention to the quarterback.  As the leader of the team, they set the pace.  They often are interviewed and receive the spotlight of the media.  Team success is often measured by the quarterback’s success.  But how does Eli Manning or Tom Brady execute successfully every game?  We see them for three hours on a Sunday afternoon – in the spotlight; on the field; making the big plays.  But what we don’t see is far more important than what we do see.

Do you remember the first time you met an agriculture teacher?  More than likely you met them in a classroom and were impressed by their abilities.  You saw them up front – in the spotlight – showcasing their impressive talents and skills.  You probably wondered how they learned how to do those things.  You saw them for a couple of hours at school – in the shop or greenhouse or taking students to events and practices.  But what you didn’t see is far more important that what you did see. 

Let’s look at a typical week for a successful quarterback.  As soon as the game ends, the media is interviewing them.  On Monday, they spend time reviewing the game videos to see what went right and what went wrong.  They want to see what they did.  They spend time with the coaches to receive some personal as well as team coaching and feedback.  They truly want to improve – they want to do better next week than they did the previous game.  After coaching, they practice so they can perform plays better.  They take time with their team to learn and improve.  They also take time individually to reflect and prepare.  They spend some time in the weight room to continue to develop their strength.  As the next week gets closer, the quarterback takes time to watch their game videos of their upcoming opponent.  They study their playbook and make sure they have each play precisely memorized for perfect execution.  And in the midst of all those activities, they also take time to rest, rejuvenate and recuperate.  All that just for three hours of game time on Sunday.  There’s so much to do!

But when we think about it, how different is it being a quality agriculture teacher?  After each class, meeting, or event, we are immediately working to prepare for the next event.  We are spending time reflecting on what we just did in the classroom or lab.  We are evaluating our performance and seeking coaching and feedback from other teachers and mentors.  We are taking time to develop new ideas and practice our presentation skills and techniques.  We are already reviewing and updating the next lesson plan to learn about what’s important in the agricultural industry.  We are reading materials and expanding our mind to learn new things to share.  We are networking with other teachers and sharing ideas.  We are actively involved in planning and conducting the next event with such precision to ensure perfect execution.  And in all that, we are taking time to rest, rejuvenate and recuperate.  All that just for a few hours of time with students.  There’s so much to do!

Agriculture teachers always have plenty to do.  Our task lists are lengthy and seem to grow daily.  As we start a new school year, let’s make sure while we are busy doing, that we are doing the right things.  Football players do not take time to practice free throws.  Make sure we spend our time wisely to gain maximum results.  Doing – more importantly, doing it right – is the key to our success as an agriculture teacher.  But doing isn’t always glamorous or doesn’t always put us in the spotlight.  Preparation is the key to successfully doing – but more importantly, successfully doing it right.  Never grow weary in doing; for those efforts provide the rewards of our toil.  

You’re Ready!

Now, it’s time to get something done!  And when we do, that prepares us for our greatest mission of all – serving students!  Remember, “Without labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much.”

-Joshua Bledsoe, NC Agricultural Education Coordinator

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