four things to remember you are a first year teacher. mistakes happen. you can make a positive...
TRANSCRIPT
WHAT A FIRST YEAR TEACHER
NEEDS TO KNOW
Four things to remember
You are a first year teacher. Mistakes happen.
You can make a positive difference in students’ lives.
Ag-Ed is growing and needs leaders like you.
You are on a probationary contract
Kevin Swor, VATAT President
DEALING WITH SUPERVISORS You are on a probationary contract Administrators want you to succeed Communicate with your supervisor
weekly Know what is expected of you You were hired to teach school
Charles Prause, VATAT Vice President
DEALING WITH SUPERVISORS Be sure your supervisor knows what you
are doing and where you are going Get out of class activities approved Engage administrators in your plans Policies need approval by administration
or local school board
Charles Prause, VATAT Vice President
DEALING WITH SUPERVISORS Know and follow all policies and rules Be timely with all requests Develop and follow a summer plan
(extended contract) Update chapter website regularly
Charles Prause, VATAT Vice President
DEALING WITH SUPERVISORS Advisory committee Be flexible – administrative philosophy
changes when administrators change Administrators are in charge of the
school – follow their directives Administrators can be friends or
enemies – part of that is up to you
Charles Prause, VATAT Vice President
DEALING WITH PARENTS
Parents are both a strength and weaknessTend to be most concerned with their childConcern yourself with all kids, all the time
Social interaction is difficult with the parents of your students
Be professional in dealing with parents Inappropriate relationships could
damage your career
Russell Thomas, VATAT Past President
MANAGING SUPPORT GROUPS Adult support groups for Ag Education
Booster clubsFFA Alumni chaptersYoung Farmer chapters
Can help or hinder Do not allow them to control you or your
program
David Reiley, VATAT Past Past President
MANAGING SUPPORT GROUPS Follow school rules concerning support
groups Constitution and By-Laws Do not handle support group funds
except as absolutely necessary Never be in charge of the money
(treasurer)
David Reiley, VATAT Past Past President
WORKING WITH STUDENTS
Always be professional Your influence reaches far Use social media wisely Be careful how you use the school’s
computer and e-mail All kids need you – some more than
others Never play favorites
Charles Prause, VATAT Vice President
WORKING WITH TEACHING PARTNER(S)
You spend a lot of time together Establish mutual respect Each teacher carries his/her load of work Avoid polarizing the department
My kidsYour kidsOur kids
Rise or fall together – share success
Russell Thomas, VATAT Past President
WORKING WITH TEACHING PARTNER(S) Communicate daily
Discuss issues and problems Don’t be petty
Plan and discuss division of work SpecializationContests, stock shows and travel
Partners can allow you to be your best Mentor – get a mentor, use a mentor
Russell Thomas, VATAT Past President
HANDLING MONEY
Handle money as if your career depends upon it. It does.
Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director
HANDLING MONEYKey Points Receipt all money, checks, etc. Never co-mingle your personal funds
with school funds Do not use a school credit card for
personal goods or services Have money counted in your presence
when you make a deposit (school activity account)
Keep accurate records (fundraising, etc)Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director
HANDLING MONEYKey Points Never accept gifts or gift cards that
might be considered a “kickback” Account for materials and supplies used
for any personal project File accurate travel reports – Don’t try to
‘fudge’ Better to prove innocence than be
suspected of wrong doing
Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director
STOCK SHOWS and PROJECT CENTERS SAEs are important – required
Many are stock show animal projectsMany districts have project centersManagement of stock shows and project
centers is critical
Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director
PROJECT CENTERS
Ag teacher most often manages school barn, farm, project center, etc.
Have policies and rules in place Establish regular and fair duties
Cleaning schedulesWorkdays
Expectations for students and parents Maintain regular hours
Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director
STOCK SHOWS
Show rulesSome are standard – shared by all showsSome are unique to each showIt is your job to know and understand rules
Validation dates and processes Registration of breeding animals Entry deadlines Entry forms and processes
Kevin Swor, VATAT President
PLAN FOR STOCK SHOWS
Plan of actionDevelop a plan for each show Communicate plan to students and parentsPost the plan on chapter website
Kevin Swor, VATAT President
PLAN FOR STOCK SHOWS
Include in planTransportation plans for students and livestockWeigh-in, check-in, set-upShow calendar
○ Time to meet and leave○ Show times for your students’ classes○ Release and return time
Chaperones, hotel arrangementsStudent expectationsWork schedule, free time, etc.
Kevin Swor, VATAT President
Buying livestock for students
School administrative support Fair distribution system Handling of money Be careful about arrangements that
appear to benefit you in some way
Jack Winterrowd, VATAT Secretary/Treasurer
FFA ACTIVITIES
You are a classroom teacher firstSupervisors may not value some activities
as much as you do Do not let LDE and CDE teams be the
focus of your classesTeach the skills to all studentsTrain teams outside of class timeTeach what is in the TEKS for that course
Jack Winterrowd, VATAT Secretary/Treasurer
FFA ACTIVITIES
Overnight tripsPermission form (medical info, contact info)Supervise your studentsHave approved chaperones Clear expectations (rules)Room checksBe where you are supposed to be
Jack Winterrowd, VATAT Secretary/Treasurer
FFA
Program of Activities Chapter constitution and by-laws Conduct regular chapter meetings Help students be successful
FFA degreesAwardsIndividual competitive eventsScholarshipsConduct an ethical program
Jack Winterrowd, VATAT Secretary/Treasurer
WRAP-UP
Call VATAT for legal assistance and counselDocument problems and issues
Make time for your family Teaching Agricultural Science is
rewarding Congratulations and best of luck
Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director
VATAT 512-472-3128
www.vatat.org
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