I know this is a bit past due, but due to a few days out of my room at school, and playing catch up with practices for upcoming contests, I've been preoccupied.
Last Friday, an article by Terence Loose, "College Majors That Are Useless", crossed my Twitter Feed at least 30 times by lunch. At this point, several people were responding and posing such valid questions that of course I caught the bug and decided to perform a little of my own research.
Monday came, and upon getting to school, I printed the article and handed it out to my class of sophomores, and my class of junior and seniors. My sophomores were prefaced with the fact that they would be reading an article to purely discuss in class. When they read the title, a few of them mumbled to themselves about how confused they were I would be giving this to them, and why they would even be considering a career in agriculture. However, the "ah-ha" moment I was waiting for came from my inquisitive, but often quiet student. He raised his hand in response to my question, "Now, we are in an agriculture class, and I've just had you read an article that says of the top 5 useless college degrees, 3 are in the agriculture industry, and number one is agriculture." Confidently he said, "I'm pretty sure this guy has NO idea what he's talking about."
I'm so proud to say that most of my students had positive input when we discussed the article. They all agreed that the degree would, obviously, have use, regardless of what the "National Association of Colleges and Employers'
(NACE) 2012 Job Outlook study, which surveyed almost 1,000 employers on
their future hiring plans" said. Thank goodness, I have students who've been raised to question authority enough to know whether the information they are being "fed" is accurate or not. My junior and seniors responded with "What in the world is this? Who is this guy? Why would you waste paper to print this?!" Again, thank God someone taught them to question authority. I'm proud to teach in this community.
However, as someone who one time wanted to be a journalist, I"m offended and embarrassed by Terence Loose and the bad rap that he is giving journalists. As an agriculture communications major, I remember learning that journalists have a code of ethics. The first rule of ethics: "Seek Truth and Report It"...Ironic, Mr. Loose? I cannot believe that this got past anyone else and went public. I'm frustrated beyond end
What I find most frustrating is, that as an agriculture teacher, it is my job to encourage students to consider the agriculture industry as essential to their daily lives- which, it is. With articles like this being published, my kids are asking "Why do people write articles like this, especially if they don't know what they are talking about?"
(Its times like this that I wish I still had the innocence of my youth and didn't know people chose to be ignorant)
I frankly said, "Honestly, most of the time I wish they didn't. However its writers and people that speak about topics like this that provide me with job security.
See, I know that I'm not going to change the minds of every person in society, making them understand that agriculture is of utmost importance in one's life. And honestly, I don't want to. It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round. I just hope that I can continue to affect lives of students, to make them more educated consumers and voters, encouraging them to pay attention to the news and how the price of corn can affect the price of gas. I'm fortunate enough to have a job that I love, and have an undying passion for, and am truly thankful for writes like Mr. Loose who will continue to provide me with a purpose. Knowing that was not his intention, I'm irritated that people believe his words, however, I'm lucky because my career depends on people like this.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A New Day
Today's post will be short. My mother always told me, if I couldn't say anything nice, than I shouldn't say anything at all.
After a meeting with other agriculture teachers from my section, I felt that my job was literally hanging in the balance as our state legislature is deciding upon what is important in my profession. This part of my job is none-too-fun, and often makes it hard for me to speak with college students who are potential ag-teaching candidates.
State legislatures, riddle me this: when you take away all of our fundamental values as educators, and all states bordering us, with strong or stronger agriculture industries, how am I to recruit students to stay here and endure a job that is less than appealing?
I'm off my soapbox for the day, as I've continued to ponder this question for the past 24 hours.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Until then...be safe and happy, and may you find joy in something small today!
After a meeting with other agriculture teachers from my section, I felt that my job was literally hanging in the balance as our state legislature is deciding upon what is important in my profession. This part of my job is none-too-fun, and often makes it hard for me to speak with college students who are potential ag-teaching candidates.
State legislatures, riddle me this: when you take away all of our fundamental values as educators, and all states bordering us, with strong or stronger agriculture industries, how am I to recruit students to stay here and endure a job that is less than appealing?
I'm off my soapbox for the day, as I've continued to ponder this question for the past 24 hours.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Until then...be safe and happy, and may you find joy in something small today!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Something that Matters-"I Was Here"
Today, on my day off, I went to my high school office and worked. I entered grades, created quizzes and worksheets, completed paperwork for our Section 17 IAVAT (Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers), etc. I worked for 5 hours with light music playing, and a few phone calls from another agriculture teacher with questions regarding record books and State Degrees.
Despite those phone calls, my communication was by email to my sister and mom, text messaging, and a few tweets. As a female who truly enjoys talking, today seems to be a blessing. My upcoming week's calendar, (let's face the truth a 4-day work week, is often cramming 5 days worth of work into 4) is chock-full of meetings after school, before school, and in between. I am missing 1.5 days worth of work for in-services which will, hopefully, make me a better teacher.
While at the school, I went and made copies for the week, and ran into our Dean of Students/Athletic Director (in a small high school, no one person does one job). Puzzled to run into one another, I greeted him with a "Good morning-er, I mean, good afternoon, haha!" He smiled and laughed back saying "What are you doing here- you drove all the way here (5 blocks, mind you) to work today?! Are you nuts??" I smiled back saying "Well, yes, I'm missing some school this week so I'm trying to get ahead of the game." His reply, "Good for you!" Well that all sounds wonderful, and yes I do feel much more prepared, I'm still spinning with the thought of this crazy work week.
As I was finishing up in my office, "I Was Here" by Lady Antebellum came on and made me just sit back and reflect.
Today, and this weekend, has made me really reflect upon my teaching career thus far. I'm proud to say I've taught in 2 wonderful school districts, and had 2 amazing jobs with great students and FFA members in both areas of the state of Illinois. I have one former student applying for her American Degree, and I've been helping her complete here book this year, and her application. I have one former student from my current high school also applying, and I'm going to be helping him as well. The first student, I taught for 2 years at my previous job. She was a very hard working student and reminded me a lot of myself in high school. She was honored with a scholarship at my collegiate Alma Mater, the University of Illinois, this fall, and invited me to the reception. I attended not thinking much of it, but was honored to attend with her and her parents. While at the reception, she was called forward and her brief bio was read. At the end, the reader called my name saying "I think her special guest, Miss Kathy Novotney, is in attendance. Would you please stand?" Blushing, I stood to hear one of the kindest compliments I've ever received. "Miss Novotney was her agriculture teacher while she was in high school. She, as well as most agriculture teachers, had a profound impact on her students. (Student's name) said that Miss Novotney was no different, and that she wished to thank her for all her hard work to get her here today. Miss Novotney is a former scholarship winner and grad from the University of Illinois. Thank you!"
I sat grinning, and admittedly, with a few tears in my eyes, as I heard a round of applause. How, after two years, had I had a "profound impact" on anyone? I felt truly blessed to hear such kind words spoken of my actions. As we parted that evening, the student and her parents thanked me again, for what seemed like the hundredth time, for all my work.
I felt truly honored. This was, and still is, my career goal: "To know that one has breathed easier because I have lived is to have succeeded."- Emerson
I have met that goal, but I will continue to do all I can so that I may leave my mark on the world, saying "Kathy Was Here."
You will notice me
I'll be leaving my mark like initials carved
In an old oak tree, you wait and see
Maybe I'll write like Twain wrote
Maybe I'll paint like Van Gogh
Cure the common cold, I don't know
But I'm ready start 'cause I know in my heart
I wanna do something that matters, say something different
Something that sets the whole world on its ear
I wanna do something better with the time I've been given
I wanna try to touch a few hearts in this life
Leave nothing less than something that says "I was here"
-Lady Antebellum
Despite those phone calls, my communication was by email to my sister and mom, text messaging, and a few tweets. As a female who truly enjoys talking, today seems to be a blessing. My upcoming week's calendar, (let's face the truth a 4-day work week, is often cramming 5 days worth of work into 4) is chock-full of meetings after school, before school, and in between. I am missing 1.5 days worth of work for in-services which will, hopefully, make me a better teacher.
While at the school, I went and made copies for the week, and ran into our Dean of Students/Athletic Director (in a small high school, no one person does one job). Puzzled to run into one another, I greeted him with a "Good morning-er, I mean, good afternoon, haha!" He smiled and laughed back saying "What are you doing here- you drove all the way here (5 blocks, mind you) to work today?! Are you nuts??" I smiled back saying "Well, yes, I'm missing some school this week so I'm trying to get ahead of the game." His reply, "Good for you!" Well that all sounds wonderful, and yes I do feel much more prepared, I'm still spinning with the thought of this crazy work week.
As I was finishing up in my office, "I Was Here" by Lady Antebellum came on and made me just sit back and reflect.
Today, and this weekend, has made me really reflect upon my teaching career thus far. I'm proud to say I've taught in 2 wonderful school districts, and had 2 amazing jobs with great students and FFA members in both areas of the state of Illinois. I have one former student applying for her American Degree, and I've been helping her complete here book this year, and her application. I have one former student from my current high school also applying, and I'm going to be helping him as well. The first student, I taught for 2 years at my previous job. She was a very hard working student and reminded me a lot of myself in high school. She was honored with a scholarship at my collegiate Alma Mater, the University of Illinois, this fall, and invited me to the reception. I attended not thinking much of it, but was honored to attend with her and her parents. While at the reception, she was called forward and her brief bio was read. At the end, the reader called my name saying "I think her special guest, Miss Kathy Novotney, is in attendance. Would you please stand?" Blushing, I stood to hear one of the kindest compliments I've ever received. "Miss Novotney was her agriculture teacher while she was in high school. She, as well as most agriculture teachers, had a profound impact on her students. (Student's name) said that Miss Novotney was no different, and that she wished to thank her for all her hard work to get her here today. Miss Novotney is a former scholarship winner and grad from the University of Illinois. Thank you!"
I sat grinning, and admittedly, with a few tears in my eyes, as I heard a round of applause. How, after two years, had I had a "profound impact" on anyone? I felt truly blessed to hear such kind words spoken of my actions. As we parted that evening, the student and her parents thanked me again, for what seemed like the hundredth time, for all my work.
I felt truly honored. This was, and still is, my career goal: "To know that one has breathed easier because I have lived is to have succeeded."- Emerson
I have met that goal, but I will continue to do all I can so that I may leave my mark on the world, saying "Kathy Was Here."
You will notice me
I'll be leaving my mark like initials carved
In an old oak tree, you wait and see
Maybe I'll write like Twain wrote
Maybe I'll paint like Van Gogh
Cure the common cold, I don't know
But I'm ready start 'cause I know in my heart
I wanna do something that matters, say something different
Something that sets the whole world on its ear
I wanna do something better with the time I've been given
I wanna try to touch a few hearts in this life
Leave nothing less than something that says "I was here"
-Lady Antebellum
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Shifting the Monkey
The simple joy of a newly fallen snow is the clean slate it leaves on the world. It often has the sense of a "new beginning" that I thoroughly enjoy. This weeks 2-3 inches has left me with a refreshed view on the upcoming months of "FFA craziness" ahead, as any professional associated with agriculture education in the state of Illinois knows. Starting next Tuesday, following this somewhat "relaxing" 3-day weekend (filled with checking record books for winter fair, proficiencies, state and, my first ever American Degrees-2) my calendar, for the next month is literally 75% taken-over with FFA events, meetings, contests, etc. While I thoroughly love my job, I think all agriculture teachers and FFA Advisors can agree that by FFA Week (February 18-25, 2012) we are all spinning.
Yesterday, was a busy day as I traveled to Bloomington-Normal, with several of my colleagues from my school district, and neighboring school districts, to hear Todd Whitaker speak. I was pretty focused on record books and upcoming FFA contests, that I'd even forgotten the name of the speaker to which we were going to hear. Mr. Whitaker is a prolific writer in the education world, and a tremendous speaker as well. I was left pondering yesterday's topic, "What Great Teachers Do Differently,"on the 40 minute ride home. Whitaker's main point, which he proudly stated he had recently turned into a book, dealt with "shifting the monkey."
What is shifting the monkey? Simply put, shifting the monkey is gently moving the pressure from one group to another. Have you ever attended a public sporting event, play or community activity and there is that one obnoxiously, boisterous individual that happens to be sitting right next to you? Whitaker spoke about how, if he were in attendance of the same event, he would walk up to the individual, kindly great him/her as well as those sitting near and then sit right next to them, shifting the awkward attention (the "monkey") from the innocent bystanders, back to the boisterous person.
This got me thinking about my classroom, and how to "shift the monkey" from my well-behaved, well-prepared, well-mannered students, to those who could use some improvement in those areas. Not only was I thinking about my classroom, but I was also then thinking about the agriculture world.
Lately, we've taken the brunt of a few hits: new child-labor regulations that are seemingly going to pass, the recent ethanol subsidies bill that failed to receive the necessary signage to stay in effect (which in turned hiked the gas price, locally, 20 cents), and even this nightmare at a California Ranch.
Yesterday, was a busy day as I traveled to Bloomington-Normal, with several of my colleagues from my school district, and neighboring school districts, to hear Todd Whitaker speak. I was pretty focused on record books and upcoming FFA contests, that I'd even forgotten the name of the speaker to which we were going to hear. Mr. Whitaker is a prolific writer in the education world, and a tremendous speaker as well. I was left pondering yesterday's topic, "What Great Teachers Do Differently,"on the 40 minute ride home. Whitaker's main point, which he proudly stated he had recently turned into a book, dealt with "shifting the monkey."
What is shifting the monkey? Simply put, shifting the monkey is gently moving the pressure from one group to another. Have you ever attended a public sporting event, play or community activity and there is that one obnoxiously, boisterous individual that happens to be sitting right next to you? Whitaker spoke about how, if he were in attendance of the same event, he would walk up to the individual, kindly great him/her as well as those sitting near and then sit right next to them, shifting the awkward attention (the "monkey") from the innocent bystanders, back to the boisterous person.
This got me thinking about my classroom, and how to "shift the monkey" from my well-behaved, well-prepared, well-mannered students, to those who could use some improvement in those areas. Not only was I thinking about my classroom, but I was also then thinking about the agriculture world.
Lately, we've taken the brunt of a few hits: new child-labor regulations that are seemingly going to pass, the recent ethanol subsidies bill that failed to receive the necessary signage to stay in effect (which in turned hiked the gas price, locally, 20 cents), and even this nightmare at a California Ranch.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Rejoining the World of Writing
As a high school agriculture teacher, it must be said that I do not have a lot of free time on my hands, for, well, much of anything. However, as I reflect upon these last three years- and I could even include my 4 years of college - I realized one huge part of my life was missing. Writing. I wrote all through high school for school assignments, of course, but also for our local paper. I even dabbled in writing for my own personal gratification, using poetry as an emotional outlet. I really, truly, enjoyed the writing process. The way my thoughts were so gracefully conveyed onto paper, a skill I envy of those who speak so eloquently in everyday life. The way a well written essay, article or paper felt as it came to life on the screen- or most often, the notebook paper- in front of me was liberating. The way I felt when people that had read my work, challenged my thoughts, agreed with my thoughts, or even how they found that my writing had some how impacted their life and their viewpoints on the given topic was so exhilarating.
Looking back, its easy to see why I chose Agricultural Communications- News Editorial, as my major in college at the University of Illinois in 2005. So, you ask, how did Ibecome an agriculture educator instead? After a few small internships during my first year and a half of college, I found myself struggling to see a future under the title of an Agricultural Communicator. Where would I work? Newspapers were certainly changing as the internet evolved, making journalism very competitive. What were my other options? Every option I explored did not seem to hold my interest or much promise of a career...or so I thought.
After talking with friends of mine in a similar major, agricultural education, I realized that not only could I utilize my undying passion for communicating about agriculture, but I could use this passion towards educating the youth of the world. This sounded amazing! And for the most part, it has truly turned out to be just that. Despite the politics in education and schools, let alone small communities, I have found this career to be very enjoyable and I am truly excited to go to work each day.
However, as I ponder my future, and the career I've chosen for myself today, I do often feel as though something is missing. After reading a blog, that was tweeted by a former editor, and friend of mine, I found what was missing. Writing. I'd lost track of my writing. My daily jottings from high school have turned to few and far between moments, where I sit and actually write letters to my grandfather, who refuses to by in to the internet or computers (but loves the "magic machine" I often carry with me), or even just my annual Christmas/Holiday update. (This year, I wrote mine on November 30 and have yet to mail them out...it will be more like a Valentine's letter when they are received). I just started using Twitter this fall, after a professional development workshop taught me that there was MUCH more to social networking for educators that just Ashton Kutcher's pointless tweets, which was my only perception. I can honestly say that one of the first things I do when I wake up is look at Twitter to see what is happening in the world of agriculture, but more importantly, just the world. I learn more from Twitter than I do watching some morning news shows most days! Twitter has led me to connect with others who have similar passions, which, honestly, led me to this blog.
Today, I was introduced to Agriculture Proud via Twitter, and after researching the blogger, I realized I needed to be apart of the blogging scene. For the last 4 years, I've been following blogs on news, sports and agriculture, but never made the time to truly set a blog. I'm happy to say that starting today, I'm joining this world, and hoping that my words will inspire, challenge, and communicate the importance of agriculture to those that read it. My selfish hope, is that I too, will be challenged by readers and their perspectives.
Looking back, its easy to see why I chose Agricultural Communications- News Editorial, as my major in college at the University of Illinois in 2005. So, you ask, how did Ibecome an agriculture educator instead? After a few small internships during my first year and a half of college, I found myself struggling to see a future under the title of an Agricultural Communicator. Where would I work? Newspapers were certainly changing as the internet evolved, making journalism very competitive. What were my other options? Every option I explored did not seem to hold my interest or much promise of a career...or so I thought.
After talking with friends of mine in a similar major, agricultural education, I realized that not only could I utilize my undying passion for communicating about agriculture, but I could use this passion towards educating the youth of the world. This sounded amazing! And for the most part, it has truly turned out to be just that. Despite the politics in education and schools, let alone small communities, I have found this career to be very enjoyable and I am truly excited to go to work each day.
However, as I ponder my future, and the career I've chosen for myself today, I do often feel as though something is missing. After reading a blog, that was tweeted by a former editor, and friend of mine, I found what was missing. Writing. I'd lost track of my writing. My daily jottings from high school have turned to few and far between moments, where I sit and actually write letters to my grandfather, who refuses to by in to the internet or computers (but loves the "magic machine" I often carry with me), or even just my annual Christmas/Holiday update. (This year, I wrote mine on November 30 and have yet to mail them out...it will be more like a Valentine's letter when they are received). I just started using Twitter this fall, after a professional development workshop taught me that there was MUCH more to social networking for educators that just Ashton Kutcher's pointless tweets, which was my only perception. I can honestly say that one of the first things I do when I wake up is look at Twitter to see what is happening in the world of agriculture, but more importantly, just the world. I learn more from Twitter than I do watching some morning news shows most days! Twitter has led me to connect with others who have similar passions, which, honestly, led me to this blog.
Today, I was introduced to Agriculture Proud via Twitter, and after researching the blogger, I realized I needed to be apart of the blogging scene. For the last 4 years, I've been following blogs on news, sports and agriculture, but never made the time to truly set a blog. I'm happy to say that starting today, I'm joining this world, and hoping that my words will inspire, challenge, and communicate the importance of agriculture to those that read it. My selfish hope, is that I too, will be challenged by readers and their perspectives.
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