Ag Teacher Talk

Episode 14 of Ag Teacher Talk is all about the National FFA Teacher Ambassador Program. In this episode, Michelle is joined by several of our Texas National FFA Teacher Ambassadors to discuss the ins and outs of the program. Adrianna Segura, Tanner Smith, Macie Cheatham, and Kasey Naylor discuss topics including: What are the goals of the National FFA Teacher Ambassador ProgramExperiences they've had as ambassadorsWho should think about applying for the programFor more information on the National FFA Teacher Ambassador Program, visit: https://www.ffa.org/teacherambassadors/Teacher Talk is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and can be found here on our website: https://bit.ly/3ATd8C2

Episode Thirteen of Ag Teacher Talk is live! In this episode, Ray and Michelle are joined by Tanner Smith, AST at Arlington, to discuss the importance of and ways to get your career off on the right foot. While the focus may be on early career teachers, educators in any stretch of their career will find value in the practical examples Tanner gives and be motivated by his passion!Topics covered include: Getting Connected to Your Campus, School, and CommunityLearning from EveryoneDoing the Hard Work While You CanFocusing on All Areas of the JobFinding a Sustainable BalanceTeacher Talk is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and can be found here on our website: https://bit.ly/3ATd8C2

When teachers have trouble, ATAT Executive Director Ray Pieniazek is the one who answers the call! In Episode 12, Ray and Michelle lead us through some practical strategies on how to advocate for yourself and your program, even under tense circumstances.Topics discussed include: Practical Strategies for Effective Self-AdvocacyCommon Scenarios and How to Handle ThemCommon Fears and Concerns

In Episode Eleven, Tammy Christian returns to wrap up our two part series on Navigating Parent-Teacher Challenges. Dealing with parents can be one of the more tense or stressful parts of teaching ag- but it doesn't have to be!Topics covered include: Common challenges with different types of parentsHandling Confrontation and ConflictKnowing when to Involve Administrators, Counselors, and Teaching PartnersEstablishing Trust Encouraging Parental Involvement

In Episode Ten, Ray and Michelle are joined by Tammy Christian, retired ag teacher, to begin a two part series on Navigating Parent-Teacher Challenges. Dealing with parents can be one of the more tense or stressful parts of teaching ag- but it doesn't have to be!Topics covered include: Common types of challenging parents to work withHow to prepare for difficult conversationsThe importance of documentationEffective communication strategies

In this episode, Ray and Michelle discuss the ins and outs of contracts. Contact questions have been some of the most frequently asked questions over the past month. They start by defining the purpose of your contract, how teacher contracts differ from other employment agreements, and key components to look for. Other questions discussed include:What should you look for before signing your contract?Legal protections and rightsHow to resolve issues in your contract

Episode Eight is the conclusion of our four part series "How To Do It All and Still Love It" with Jessica Reeves, agriculture teacher at Ingram. Inspired by questions received at the end of the Women in Ag Roundtable at the 2024 ATAT Professional Development Conference, the final installment in the series is "Staying Healthy."Join us in discussing ways to take care of yourself by eating smarter during those long hours on the road and at contests or shows, fitting in physical activity when you can, and lunch ideas to pack for school or on the road. We want to hear from you- what are your favorite ways the stay healthy on the go? Share your meal prep ideas, favorite healthy swaps, and ways to stay active in the comments or by emailing [email protected]!

In Episode Seven, we continue our four part series "How To Do It All and Still Love It" with Jessica Reeves, agriculture teacher at Ingram. Inspired by questions received at the end of the Women in Ag Roundtable at the 2024 ATAT Professional Development Conference, the third of four installments in the series is "Family Life."Join us in discussing how to balance a district's expectations with your own priorities, tips for new parents, handling parental guilt, and more. 

In Episode Six, we continue our four part series "How To Do It All and Still Love It" with Jessica Reeves, agriculture teacher at Ingram. Inspired by questions received at the end of the Women in Ag Roundtable at the 2024 ATAT Professional Development Conference, the second installment in the series is "Boundaries."Join us in discussing why it is important to set boundaries, how to set boundaries if you're a new teacher or new to saying no, delegating, and keeping your personal identity.  Teacher Burnout Journal: https://bit.ly/4j2pWI1

In Episode Five, we kick off our four part series "How To Do It All and Still Love It" with Jessica Reeves, agriculture teacher at Ingram. Inspired by questions received at the end of the Women in Ag Roundtable at the 2024 ATAT Professional Development Conference, the first installment in the series is "Balance." How can you live the ag teacher life while still having a life?Join us in discussing balancing it all, with practical tips on maintaining a healthy home life throughout your career, schedule management, splitting household duties, and more. 

On Episode 4, Mr. Tom Maynard shares insights on what the State Board of Education is, what they can and can not do, how to build relationships with your SBOE member, and shares insights (and maybe even a secret!) along the way.Mr. Maynard is a past agriculture science teacher, SBOE member, and many of you will remember him from his tenure as the Executive Director of Texas FFA.Links mentioned: https://sboe.texas.gov/

In Episode Three, we welcome Nathan Jordan, agriculture teacher at Winnsboro, to discuss how to get teams to buy in, and how student commitment can give you a competitive edge. Contest Contract can be found here: https://bit.ly/3ATd8C2

Earlier this month, ATAT asked our members "What piece of advice do you wish you could give yourself as a first year ag teacher?" We received great tips that could benefit teachers of all experience levels!David Laird, former ag teacher and current CTE Director of Waller ISD, joins this episode to share 10 items that all ag teachers should keep in mind this school year. 

Join the ATAT Staff and Mr. Jim Harris for Episode One of Ag Teacher Talk!Michelle Vasbinder, Ray Pieniazek, and Tori Rosser will introduce the podcast and give a brief overview of what ATAT is and upcoming events. Jim Harris gives listeners a lesson in GRIT and how it can benefit your career- and life!You can find a copy of "Authentic Gravitas," recommended by Mr. Harris, here: https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Gravitas-Who-Stands-Out/dp/0143132083