Ag Teacher Talk

In Episode 18, we get to know Caleb Gamblin, Bangs ISD agriculture science teacher and Texas Association of School Administrators Teacher of the Year candidate. Learn about his journey into agricultural education, the students who have shaped his career, what makes teaching agriculture so unique, and hear about his Teacher of the Year journey.

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

Meet Melvin! Episode 17 lets you get to know Mr. Pouncy as he steps into the role of ATAT Executive Director. Learn about his background, career in agricultural education, and hear his vision and goals for the association. We hope you end this episode excited for the future of ATAT and our profession.

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

In Episode 16 of Ag Teacher Talk, we are joined by Seth Reeves to learn about the Fund for Teachers grant. An ag science teacher in Latta, Oklahoma, Reeves is the first AST to receive the Fund for Teachers grant, which has opened up several amazing opportunities for him and his students.

Hear about Seth's self-designed professional development trip to discover sustainable, local agricultural practices, how he has implemented his learning in the classroom and school garden, and how you can plan your own PD trip anywhere in the world!

Resources:
https://fundforteachers.org/grants/
Examples, aids, and NAAE presentation: https://bit.ly/4gvUz9u

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 15 of Ag Teacher Talk is an important update on New World Screwworm and it's potential impacts on ag education. 

Joining us is Dr. Thomas Lansford, DVM, the Deputy Executive Director and Assistant State Veterinarian at Texas Animal Health Commission. Dr. Lansford answers common questions and may assuage some of your fears around this issue, including:

• What exactly is the New World Screwworm, and what makes it different than ordinary maggots?
• What are the early warning signs, and what types of wounds are most susceptible?
• What should ag teachers and students be looking for during daily feeding?
• What preventative measures can your program begin implementing?
• What should you do if you suspect an animal has screwworms?

Resources:

• screwworm.gov
• Texas Animal Health Commission website
• Agrilife Extension New World Screwworm
• screwwormtx.org

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 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 Program
• Experiences they've had as ambassadors
• Who should think about applying for the program

For 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 Community
• Learning from Everyone
• Doing the Hard Work While You Can
• Focusing on All Areas of the Job
• Finding a Sustainable Balance

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

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-Advocacy
• Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them
• Common 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 parents
• Handling Confrontation and Conflict
• Knowing when to Involve Administrators, Counselors, and Teaching Partners
• Establishing 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 with
• How to prepare for difficult conversations
• The importance of documentation
• Effective 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 rights
• How to resolve issues in your contract