Interest Approach: Which Direction Will You Take?

Each step we take leads us closer to our future! Which direction will I take to get the best outcome for my future? Over the past four years, I have been thinking about where I would like to student teach. When I served as a Pennsylvania State FFA Officer, I had visited many Agricultural Education programs across the state. Throughout the year I served, I became familiar with what environment I enjoyed facilitating in as well as the connection I had with the teachers at each school. Since I have been attending Penn State I have observed several different Agricultural Education programs in Pennsylvania. My history of visiting, facilitating, and observing different programs across the state has led me to a list of criteria for my ideal cooperating center to student teach. My criteria for a cooperating center are as follows:

• Animal Science courses offered - I am not fluent in Animal Science, and teaching it will allow my knowledge bank to grow as well as get me out of my comfort zone. These courses will help me grow not only in knowledge but also exercising my brain to learn new things rapidly so I can effectively educate my students.
• Agricultural Mechanics - I am more fluent in Ag Mechanics and having the opportunity to teach it will strengthen my knowledge. These courses will also allow me to get back in my comfort zone for part of my experience so I do not get discouraged and overwhelmed throughout my semester student teaching.
• Great Mentors - Teachers that have had decades of experience as well as the dispositions to give the best feedback and tips for me. These individuals will give me the support and constructive criticism I need in order to flourish as a teacher. 
• Student environment - Students that crave Agriculture Education courses and dedicated to the FFA.

Throughout this journey I hope to find the best cooperating center for me so that I can expand my knowledge! I am excited to dive into the opportunities that are ahead of me!