How to Manage SAE for every student
Figure out how you can manage every students SAE program in three simple steps!
Supervised Agricultural Experiences are a part of the three-circle model for Agriculture Education. Meaning, they are really important!
Sometimes I think about my time learning what an SAE was (spoiler alert: I was an uber confused college aged student when I learned what agriculture education was). It seemed like a really cool concept, that every student got to dive deeply into a content area of their choosing in order to gain vital skills for that career path.
But, the question that came up was…”How the heck do I manage all of these projects?”
And if you have every thought the same thing, just know we are in the same boat.
Having a personalized project for every student, that takes place outside of school hours in a range of agriculture areas that you probably aren’t specialized in can seem unsurmountable.
But, never fear there is a way for you to manage individual projects with ease and excitement!
If you are more of a listener of content, check out the podcast episode that dives deep into this right here.
Here are three ways to get kids excited about SAEs, manage them well and organize it all!
Find their fun
Take a step back from proficencies for a minute. And realize NOT EVERY STUDENT’S SAE is not going to be a proficiency award. We know that every student has an SAE, but not every SAE is a proficency award level.
And just ask yourself, “Is this student engaging in activities that step toward the mission on agriculture education?” And you may be saying this is controversial because this might mean that you allow students SAEs to be outside of the “agriculture” realm. Maybe it is babysitting, maybe it is working at a restaurant, maybe it is interning at an office.
Will all of those activities allow students to engage in premier leadership, personal growth and career success? HECK YES they will. Because let’s be honest: Is the purpose of an educator to get an award. Is the purpose of the student to get on stage? NO! The purpose is to grow and develop. Time to step back and lean into our students fun and MEET THEM THERE!
Stay connected
100 kids SAE visits, 1 a day, that is HALF a year. I find that PRETTY impossible with the other requirements as an ag teacher. And I get it, some SAEs need the observation (like But there is a way for you to stay connected with every single students SAE on a consistent basis.
And it is as easy as having more converstations with them throughout the year.
Think about SAE management as a unit. You wouldn’t assume a student understand the entire photosynthesis process in one class period. We cannot assume the same with SAEs. We cannot teach them once about SAE and then have them present at the end of the year/semester. Have you ever been the victim of doing a beginning of the year SAE unit, saying “you have 20 hours to complete by the end of the semster” and then the end of the semester rolls around and kids are looking at you like you have 7 heads when you say “SAE”?? Yeah, me too!
There needs to be check points throughout the year that you check in on them. See what is going how, how are they progressing, are they doing some amazing things that warrant a proficency? You won’t know if you don’t ASK THE QUESTIONS. One way to do this is to have a monthly teacher conference with each student. This can be as simple as a few minute conversation. Asking questions like “How is your SAE going?” “What has been going well?” “What hasn’t been working well?” “What can I do to help you ?” Make sure you are doing a consistent schedule because consistency in our communication provides clarity to the students.
If you are thinking “I don’t have the time to do that?” Ask yourself “would I rather have the fight at the end of the semester every year? Be forced to fail students because I didn’t give them enough support?”
Stay organized
Have you ever heard the quote “systems create freedom?” SAEs need systems so you and your students know what is happening and what to expect next. One thing that I cannot get out of my mind is SAE Folders from Jacklyn Bond (you can grab this session SOON in a Starter Pack). This is a simple folder where students add data about their SAE records in the AET. You can choose what is important (ex. Pictures, Hours, Money earned etc.). This allowed me to see exactly where every student was at WEEKLY, see where students were confused, and able to have a quick conversation with them every week.
I hope this can help you reframe your thoughts from “SAEs are just one more thing on my to-do list” to “SAEs are a major highlight of my career and turns students into passionate adults.”
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?
Officer Team Training and Leadership Development
What is one thing that is on your mind this time of year?
The excitement of installing and new officer team and hoping you have the skills to prepared them for their year of service next year.
And we totally get it, officer training was not a class you took in college.
What we do know is there can be a way to train those officers well, prepare them to take the lead and have ownership over the successes and failures of the school year.
If you are thinking, “how the heck can I do that?”
GOOD NEWS you have access to the G&G Fundraising Specialist Teacher, Lori Sanderson. She is excited to help you get those leaders ready for the next school year!
Here is what she can support you with:
-Advising and Supporting an Officer Team
-Providing Leadership Building activities in class and for your chapter
Here is what you should do next!
Head over to Lori’s Specialist Roster Page
Watch her introduction video
Download her takeaway
Connect with her via Instagram or Email for you specific fundraising needs
Need other specialized support, check out the other G&G specialist teachers!
Teaching Leadership in Your Classroom
Leadership is part of your curriculum.
Most likely, you have actual standards that are mandadted by your state to teach leadership. And if you are like me, your bachelor’s degree in education didn’t cover that. But, we gotta admit, it might be some of the most important content you teach to your students.
WHY?
Google recently did a study to ask companies to rank the 8 top qualities of their top employee. Got any guesses on what ranked highest? Listening, coaching, critical thinking and communication skills! Ranking on the bottom of the study were the technicial skills like math and coding.
How cool is it that YOU have the space in your curriculum to help prepare your students to be the most prepared, competent and equipped to get any job they apply for!
And if you are thinking “I just don’t know where to start” or even “I’ve done the same thing over and over again and want to spice my leadership unit up”
GOOD NEWS, we have just the resource to help you!
We have taken a dive into the Germinate Session Vault and pulled out a session that can give you the direction on how to put leadership back to the forefront of your curriculum from Wyatt Capps of Illinois!
Sounds too good to be true right?
Well, like the Disney Vault (and Cinderella) this session will turn into a pumpkin and head back to the vault on May 31. Take some time to block off your calendar (approx. 20 minutes) to watch this session and download the takeaways to get ready for leadership emphasis in 2023-2024!