Jack of All Trades

       The other day I ran into an old acquaintance at the dollar store as I was buying prizes for the students in my freshmen class. I know that everyone has been there, well not necessarily buying plastic badges, miniature etch-a-sketches, and weird little yo-yo's, but everyone has run into an old friend in an unexpected place. Usually you take a few moments to catch up, and that is exactly what my old friend and I did. Our conversation went a lot like most people's do.

"I haven't seen you in forever!"
"You look great!"
"How are you?"

       Then comes the question, "Where are you working?" This is where my conversation becomes a little different than most (although there are some awesome people who know exactly what I am about to talk about). I prepare to advocate for my field and passion as I say, "I'm currently in school to become an Agricultural Education Teacher."

       For a moment the other person pauses, and thinks about what I just said. A flash of confusion crosses their face, and often people respond with, "They have classes for that?"  I am never offended by this question, or others that are similar to it. I take these moments as an opportunity to advocate for Agricultural Education (also known as Ag Ed), and Ag or Ag Ed teachers. I explain that agriculture is farming, but that it also encompasses so much more, from veterinary science, plant science, agricultural engineering to natural resources and so much more. In fact, agriculture is so broad that according to the USDA, in 2011 16,070,600 jobs were related to the agricultural field. Out of all of these agricultural jobs, only about 17% included farm employment. I explain that Ag Teachers are jacks of all trades who teach courses that include math, science, english, social studies, and technology in their daily lessons."

       After running into my old friend, I decided that I would like to start this blog to help inform readers on what Ag  Teachers actually do. I am currently enrolled in UConn's Teacher Certification For Post College Graduates (TCPCG) program, and am student teaching at an Agricultural Education program in a Connecticut high school. In May, I will graduate with my Master's in education, and I will be certified to teach Agricultural Education. I knew that I wanted to be an Ag teacher since I was 15 years old. This is why campaigning for this topic is so ingrained in my heart and soul.

       If you are already are aware of Ag Ed programs, I encourage you to follow my blog to show support, but to also to get a behind the scenes look at the time, energy, sacrifice, and passion that Ag Teachers put into their programs and students. I will be telling stories about my time as a student teacher, and I hope to include stories from other teachers, students, and supporters of Agriculture.

       I will be trying to submit a post every Friday, and I appreciate feed back in the comments. With that, I will leave you with a quote,


“Eating is an agricultural act.” 

― Wendell Berry, What Are People for Essays By Wendell B