Speed dating but make it school edition

For those that might not know what a cooperating center is it simply means a school that is willing to host a student teacher aka me. This process is most closely related to thoughtful speed dating, meet with a program ask all the questions that you can think of, and decide if it’s the right fit for you. Through this process and meeting with a few schools, I’ve thought a lot about what I really want my student teaching experience to look like. The type of program/school, classes offered, student and teacher characteristics are all things to consider. I have created a large laundry list of my perfect ideal school that I would do my student teaching at. 

Classes offered:  

In the area of classes offered I may be a bit um selfish in what I want. I want all the classes that I can get in all different areas if possible. But below are the main classes that I would really love to have and experience and why I feel like I want them at my school. 

Horticulture/plant science: 

    ·      this is my strong suit compared to other subjects in agriculture. The reason why I want my student teaching experience to include this is simple I enjoy horticulture more than any other subject. While I do know a lot of the content knowledge need for it I know that I can always learn more about it and how to teach it effectively. 

AG mechanics: 

    ·      Ag mech is by far my worst subject area, which is why I desperately need this during student teaching. I need to learn a lot about the content and classroom application. While it will probably not be my favorite class to teach I know that I need to improve myself in this area. 

Other classes that I would love to have: 

     · Animal science

     ·   Introduction to agriculture

     ·  natural resources

Program/school type: 

For the type of program and school, I am not that concerned about because I think all aspects of schools I can learn from. But there are things that I would rather experience but they are not the highest needs on my list compared to the classes, type of teacher/school, and FFA involvement.  

·      Two or more teachers in the program

·      Preferably block schedule classes

·      Rural school district 

·      Preferably a school that has great community support including school district/board support 

 

FFA involvement:

This one is a pretty simple list of what I’d want the FFA chapter to have/look like because the majority of programs already have these as standards for their FFA. 

 

·      Active members that participate

·      Regular meeting schedules 

·      Participate in different events such as CDE’s, State and national convention, ACES, SLLC

·      Have their own chapter events 

·      Active participation in SAE’s 

 

Type of teacher: 

This is a component that I am not that worried about because in general, all Ag teachers are amazing and great people to work with. But there are some work personalities that I am looking for in a cooperating teacher. 

·      Overall loves their job 

·      Encourages students 

·      A teacher that won’t “baby” or “hold my hand” through the process, instead id want someone to challenge me and help when I need it 

·      Isn’t afraid to try new things 

·       Organized 

 Conclusion 

This seems like a forever-long list, and I know that there probably isn’t a school that will meet my ideal list of wants. That okay though because I can learn anywhere that I am placed and I will have an amazing experience. Overall I am just excited to be talking to schools right now and hopefully finding my perfect fit for student teaching.