1. P is For… Current Word: Passion Your Word: Passion Why?: Because to me, you cannot be an ag teacher without passion for the job and the students – Really, I hope that everyone is working in a job they are passionate about and that Is something I instill in my students.

2. I is For… Current Word: Immersion Your Word: Integrity Why?: Immersion is spot on, but another word that I think of is integrity. As ag teachers, a significant amount of time is spent with students in sae projects and ffa competitions, and teaching and modeling integrity is SUCH an important part of our job. Our students need this, and I believe our teaching position allows for us to teach this better than a core subject instructor.

3. r is For… Current Word: Rapport Your Word: Real Why?: Just as Rapport is important, part of that is being real. Modeling behavior and remaining a real and tangible human being has helped me teach my students. Again, we are with our students on trips a lot and showing them that you are human and how a person handles adversity or whatever comes there way helps them trust you and learn how to handle similar situations in their lives.

4. a is For… Current Word: Ask and analyze Your Word: Ask and Analyze Why?: This is such a cornerstone part of being an engaging teacher in the classroom. Nothing is perfect and there is always room for improvement to engage new students and incorporate new and exciting things into lessons that will help students learn and retain. I also loved all the things he said about creativity—SO true!

5. t is For… Current Word: transformation Your Word: Transformation Why?: Transforming students is the name of the job in ag teaching. As we constantly evaluate our teaching and approaches to instructing students, we are not only transforming ourselves but students and I think that is incredibly important for our industry.

6. e is For… Current Word: enthusiasm Your Word: Enthusiasm Why?: At the end of the day, if you aren’t excited, then how do you expect your students to be excited. I always try to be enthusiastic about It all, but especially things that are getting push back or skepticism. Using other students who have had experiences or who have done something help me with creating enthusiasm for new events and activities. Working with 8 th graders for a majority of my schedule requires enthusiasm!