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 weakness Tend to be most concerned with their child Concern 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 clubs FFA Alumni chapters Young 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 schools computer and 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 kids Your kids Our kids Rise or fall together – share success Russell Thomas, VATAT Past President

WORKING WITH TEACHING PARTNER(S) Communicate daily Discuss issues and problems Dont be petty Plan and discuss division of work Specialization Contests, 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 MONEY Key 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 MONEY Key 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 – Dont 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 projects Many districts have project centers Management 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 schedules Workdays Expectations for students and parents Maintain regular hours Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director

STOCK SHOWS Show rules Some are standard – shared by all shows Some are unique to each show It 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 action Develop a plan for each show Communicate plan to students and parents Post the plan on chapter website Kevin Swor, VATAT President

PLAN FOR STOCK SHOWS Include in plan Transportation plans for students and livestock Weigh-in, check-in, set-up Show calendar Time to meet and leave Show times for your students classes Release and return time Chaperones, hotel arrangements Student expectations Work 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 first Supervisors may not value some activities as much as you do Do not let LDE and CDE teams be the focus of your classes Teach the skills to all students Train teams outside of class time Teach what is in the TEKS for that course Jack Winterrowd, VATAT Secretary/Treasurer

FFA ACTIVITIES Overnight trips Permission form (medical info, contact info) Supervise your students Have approved chaperones Clear expectations (rules) Room checks Be 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 degrees Awards Individual competitive events Scholarships Conduct an ethical program Jack Winterrowd, VATAT Secretary/Treasurer

WRAP-UP Call VATAT for legal assistance and counsel Document problems and issues Make time for your family Teaching Agricultural Science is rewarding Congratulations and best of luck Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director

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