Virtual Mentor Exploration #1

For my first virtual mentor exploration, I chatted with Mrs. Weaver. Our phone conversation for this project was so enjoyable and truly helpful. Not only did we discuss teaching but life in general. It was so refreshing to hear that ag teachers truly stick together and are there for each other! When asked what her teaching philosophy is she is all about helping students be the best they can be and seeing that they have potential. I have this in common with her! No matter if the students is interested in ag our just placed in our rooms, we need to motivate them to go for whatever it is they are passionate about! A motto she likes to go by is "nothing worthwhile is ever easy." I laughed at this as it is also something I tell myself almost every day. We need to make sure our students understand this and know it is okay and actually a good thing when something does not come easy. When asked about classroom diversity, she stated that she likes her students to look at agriculture from many different angles and the global teach ag initiative really assists with that. She likes to include ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic diversity within her class. As for English language learners, she has not had much experience with this yet, but stated that her school does have Spanish speaking teachers to assist in a case this ever happened. The last question I asked her was if she had any tips regarding making special needs accommodations for students. She said her biggest tip was to never be afraid to ask for help. She said her best resource is her special education teacher. They work together to help the students better understand and participate. I think this is great advice as typically they know the students and their needs better than anyone and could help make them more comfortable in our ag classrooms. Lastly, she said you have to be willing to meet students where they are at and help build them up from there. This is so powerful to me as special education holds a very special place in my heart. We need to help these students accomplish and work towards any goal they set their minds to no matter how big the struggle to get their could be. I am so thankful to have such a passionate and fun mentor on my student teaching team! She gave me so much encouragement and great advice!