What it’s like learning outside of your discipline

I was a teacher, specifically an agriculture teacher for a decade. One thing that we pride ourselves on was being a “jack of all trades, master of none.” Over my career I taught close to twenty different classes, most years teaching upwards of 6 different subjects. That kind of daily mind gymnastics bounding from one topic to another makes your brain expand in many different ways. 

Truly, I was gifted with the opportunity to be flexible and work outside of my zone of genius daily. 

Many industries don’t allow for this. You typically “stay in your lane” and do the work that you’ve been asked to do. So let me ask you… when was the last time you decided to step outside of your zone of genius?

While it might seem like staying in your one lane is the best thing to do, overspecialising can actually be detrimental to your career and business.

Being able to learn in a broad spectrum can help you achieve more in your current career and even move up. There are three values of learning outside of your discipline. Let’s take a look. 

Three Values of Learning Outside Your Discipline

Learn new skills

Think about all the skills you need to do your job well. It’s a long list right? I can almost bet that some of those skills on your list are beneficial in other careers.

Like time management, hello! What about collaboration with team members or conversations with a client? You can decide to take some time to learn about more broad skills needed for your career.

For example, you might be a course creator for health/wellness but stepping outside of your niche and learning about email marketing might benefit you greatly.

What about if you are a teacher? Could taking a project management course help you gain skills in “getting it all done”?

Your new skills will help you elevate where you are in your career and allow you to enhance the skills you already have.

Alternate Thinking

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and they simply say something that just blows your mind? It’s because you have never even ventured to think the way they think – how amazing right?!

When you look at a problem or situation from a different vantage point you are able to get your brain to work in new and different ways.

I distinctly remember going to a conference session on history, not my favorite subject. What I walked away with was a new learning strategy I had never thought of to use in my classes about timelines. Who knew? Certainly not me. I had to immerse myself into something new to be able to gain that new knowledge. 

Improve your work 

You’ve heard how the saying goes… “An old dog can’t learn new tricks.” Well, I call bull! 

Humans are habitual, it’s in our nature. What you do in your job daily starts to become habitual.

When you take a step back and implement some new skills or techniques from outside of your discipline you may be able to improve your work. You get to avoid the “same old, same old” practices of old. You get to improve yourself and your work all at once.

And bonus? I bet your boss will be happy to see the new coming from you!

I recently wrote about this on LinkedIn and my friend Shelley mentioned she recently took up learning about pastries and it has been blowing her mind. She is an entrepreneur, communications director, coach and professional pianist.

Could you easily say this drive to learn about pastries isn’t beneficial to her? You could… but I would push you and ask why you think that.

Because the truth is that she is creating new neural pathways in her brain.

She is learning about processes. She is learning about directions. She is learning about patience. She is learning about trial and error. She is learning about quality control. She is learning about trying new things. She is learning from experimenting. 

All of those things can help her in truly any career. 

And the same can be true for you too. 

There is no need to pigeon hole yourself into one area of growth.

You can build a library of skills and knowledge that will benefit you as a whole person. If you want to learn it, go for it. It is still beneficial to your brain and your whole self even if it isn't career driven. 

Because at the end of the day learning doesn’t have to be results driven. 

And if you want to dive into learning in 2024, join educators from across the country at Germinate Empowered. Registration closes on Saturday January 6, 2024. 

If you read this after the registration deadline, stay connected with G&G through the podcast, blog, and Instagram

Ag Teachers summer schedule: Rest, reflect and ready!

Welcome to summer ☀️ agriculture teachers!

This is your season of growth, renewal, and opportunity!

As the school year draws to a close, it's time to shift gears, recharge, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Let’s explore three essential aspects for you to lean into this summer: rest, reflect, and get ready.

By embracing these elements, you can find the motivation and inspiration necessary to continue nurturing young minds and cultivating a thriving agricultural education community.

1. Rest: Replenish Your Energy and Passion

After a demanding academic year, it's vital to prioritize self-care and recharge your batteries. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Embrace the beauty of this summer by taking time for yourself. Whether it's lounging in a hammock, exploring nature, or engaging in hobbies you love, allow yourself to unwind and rejuvenate.

Rest is not just about physical relaxation; it's about rekindling your passion. Take a step back from the daily routine, immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature, and reconnect with the core reasons why you chose this noble profession. Let the tranquility of the outdoors remind you of the profound impact you have on your students' lives and the significance of the work you do.

2. Reflect: Grow Through Introspection

As an agriculture teacher, reflection is a powerful tool for growth and improvement. Use this summer as an opportunity to reflect on your teaching practices, your successes, and areas that may need refinement. Consider the lessons learned from the past year, both in the classroom and beyond, and how they can shape your future endeavors.

Engage in introspective practices such as journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation. By reflecting on your experiences, you can gain valuable insights, discover innovative teaching methods, and set new goals for the upcoming year. Remember, growth is a continuous journey, and taking the time to reflect will help you evolve as an educator and mentor.

3. Get Ready: Harness the Power of Professional Development

Preparing for the next academic year begins with investing in your professional development. Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge, network with fellow educators, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in agricultural education. GreenandGrowingEdu.com offers a wide range of resources and workshops designed specifically for agriculture teachers like you.

Enroll in online courses, attend conferences, or participate in workshops to sharpen your skills, learn innovative teaching strategies, and discover fresh perspectives. Collaborate with other educators, share experiences, and foster a supportive community that will empower you throughout the year. By investing in your professional development, you'll emerge from the summer break equipped with new tools and ideas to inspire your students and enhance their learning experience.

As an agriculture teacher, your dedication and passion are the driving forces behind the success of your students and the growth of your community. This summer, prioritize rest, reflect on your journey, and get ready to embark on another transformative year in the classroom. By embracing these three essential elements, you'll find the motivation, inspiration, and renewed energy to continue making a positive impact and shaping the future of agriculture.

Remember, this is your time to rejuvenate, learn, and grow. Embrace the summer's embrace the summer's opportunities, and lean into rest, reflection, and readiness. Your journey awaits!

Investing in yourself: Your professional growth opportunity for 2023

Did you know it takes 5 years of watering the seed for a Chinese bamboo tree to germinate?

5 years of investment by the farmer to continually water, fertilize and tend for that seed. 

Time, commitment, dedication to growth. Knowing that the reward won't be coming for years.

Is it worth it to the farmer? They would say HECK YES. 

Because once that seed germinates the plant can grow 90 feet tall in just 6 weeks.

So my question to you is what are you doing to water, fertilize and tend for yourself?

Are you watering yourself with positive people, inputs (podcasts, musics, books), groups?

Are you fertilizing yourself by pursuing activities that accelerate your growth as an educator?

Are you tending to yourself by prioritizing rest and reflection?  

Now, I admit G&G cannot help you with all of those things. But if you are ready to fertilize yourself by committing to growth in your profession, we got just the right NPK for you!

So ask yourself...

Are you ready to grow?

Are you ready to get new innovative ideas?

Are you ready to reignite your passion?

Are you ready to invest your time?

Are you ready to jump into the green & growing community?

Are you ready?

BECAUSE WE ARE.REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR the Germinate Conference 2023!

Grab your fertilizer for you growth and register now. 

So, are you ready for it?

7 Ways to Create Community

July 2021 my family uprooted our deep roots in the South and made our way to the state that does football and crab cakes (IYKYK). 

It was an exciting time for us and we immediately got into the grind of everyday life. Grad school, teaching agriculture, new school for second grade, and a new daycare. 

Day in day out became get up, get ready, go to work, attempt to find energy to make dinner, bed time routine, and sleep.

And by December 2021, I had enough. I couldn’t stay on that hamster wheel anymore without an outlet. And what I really needed was a friend. 

So I got a job to try and find a friend. No lie.

I ended up joining the team at my local Pure Barre studio because 1. Free Membership 2. Find people who *might* be a potential friend.

Extreme, maybe. But, I was desperate. I couldn’t feel alone anymore. I was over it. It was time to take drastic action. 

Enter, Allison. The Pure Barre teacher who is a catalyst for a good time. She happened to be the teacher assigned to my Friday night shift and within a few weeks I knew this was it. I hit the jackpot. Getting paid to work out AND getting a friend finally in my new hometown. Allison was just the start of a bigger Pure Barre community that now celebrates each others birthdays, big moments, and simple coffee chats after class.

What I was fed up about was the fact that I had no community. Community is truly just a feeling you get when you are with others that share common attitudes, interests, feelings or even goals. 

And I know that this is happening in the world. Especially after the past few years. Figuring out “where do I fit? “should I be in this group anymore?” “what am I missing?”

Community begins with a catalyst. You know back to chemistry class that you hopefully did better in than me. A catalyst is a person/thing that causes something to happen quickly. 

If you are looking for community. It might be time to be a catalyst. 

Here are some actions you can take to be a community catalyst:

1. Find a group on your city/county recreation site

   I just found out my city has Adult Fencing classes for three months and only $150 (can you say en guard?) 

2. Go to a community event

   Farmer’s market, holiday event, cultural fair etc. The list goes on and *most* of the time people are willing to speak to you because they are selling

3. Join a gym/work out class

   There are lots of free first classes out there (ex. Orange Theory, Pure Barre, Core Power Yoga) try it our, check out the vibe and see!

4. Find a place of worship

   Are your looking for a new place to worship? Test out a few and see if one has a community group you are looking for

5. Online friends are real friends

   Some of my very best friends were people I first connected with on Instagram. Take the DM off the gram and set up a Zoom Call!

6. Find an organization to volunteer for

   Find a cause you are passionate about and volunteer for them. Great way to find like minded and hearted people

7. Attend a networking event

   For the ag teachers out there this may look like going to a free event by G&G, attending a National FFA teacher session, or even checking out teacher networking events in your county.

The options are truly endless. But the point is, they are just options unless you decide to take action on them.

You can curate your own community; you just might need to remember to be a catalyst!

Donate To Help Florida Better Relief Fund

You have probably seen the devastation that Hurricane Ian had upon Florida. Watching in disbelief the lives that have been lost and changed forever. You also may be wondering how you can help.

Green & Growing Education is following the Florida FFA Associations suggestion and if you feel led to donate to the cause here is all the information.

The Florida FFA Disaster Relief Fund was been created to help Florida FFA chapters rebuild following natural disasters, such as Hurricane Ian. Donations to this fund will be dispersed directly to agricultural education programs and FFA chapters affected by catastrophic events.

You can donate directly to think link: https://donorbox.org/betterdaysfund

Or send checks to:

Florida FFA Foundation
Attn: Better Days Fund
5000 Firetower Rd.
Haines City, FL 33844

Green & Growing Education is donating the profits from all Starter Pack sales from Monday 10/3-Friday 10/7 to this relief fund.