Who am I? Philosophy of Agricultural Education By Jimmy Wojcik State Agricultural Education Supervisor

A LESSON FROM GEESE

Have you ever wondered why migrating geese fly in a V formation? As with most animal behavior, God had a good reason for including that in their instincts.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird following. In a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone.

…and quickly gets back into formation. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone…

… people who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier than those who try to go it alone. Like geese…

When a goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position. If people had as much sense as geese, they would realize that ultimately their success depends on working as a team, taking turns doing the hard tasks, and sharing leadership.

Geese in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to up their speed. It is important that our “honking from behind” be encouraging. Otherwise it’s just - well - honking.

They stay with the unhealthy member of the flock until it is either able to fly again or dies. When a goose gets sick or wounded, two other geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and provide protection.

Then they launch out again with another passing flock or try to catch up with their own. May we be so sacrificial, that we may be worthy of such friends in our time of need.

To learn from nature and understand you must be great leader and a better follower. To learn from nature and understand you must be great leader and a better follower. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A SCIENTIST... YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A SCIENTIST...

NO ONE CAN DO IT ALONE, JUST ASK THE GEESE!

I am an agricultural educator by choice and not by chance. How did I become an Agriculture Teacher?

I believe in American agriculture; I dedicate my life to its development and the advancement of its people. ACTE-Arizona National Education Association SAILA Alpha Gamma Rho-Alumni Assoc ACOVA AATA C.A.L.S. Advisory Board NAAE AG 100 Club Arizona National Stock Show Arizona Heritage Museum National/Arizona FFA Alumni Association

I will strive to set before my students by my deeds and actions the highest standards of citizenship for the community, state and nation. AATA Outstanding Program AATA District Teacher of the Year AATA Teacher of the Year ADE Grant Recipient

I will endeavor to develop professionally through study, travel and exploration. Take every opportunity that we have to offer.

I will not knowingly wrong my fellow teachers. I will defend them as far as honesty will permit.

I will work for the advancement of agricultural education and I will defend it in my community, state and nation.

I realize that I am a part of the public school system. I will work in harmony with school authorities and other teachers of the school.

My love for youth will spur me on to impart something from my life that will help make for each of my students a full and happy future. Remember we do it for the students! They are our number 1 priority.