1. P is For… Current Word: Passion Your Word: PASSION Why? Today the band member on TV said if he stops getting excited when he steps on stage he will quite. I thought the same thing applies to me!

2. I is For… Current Word: Immersion Your Word: IDEOLOGY Why? (synonym for expectation, well close) Set expectations. Expectations for behavior, timeliness, respect, and most importantly (to me) the value of education. The best education I received was in a two room school house in Nevada. Why? Because it was “cool” to be smart. So the rest of us wanted to be smart.

3. r is For… Current Word: Rapport Your Word: RAPPORT Why? A big one! If you have rapport with the kids you can teach them anything! The scary thing is you are always teaching them, good and bad. We spend so much time with them outside of the classroom. So many times a kid will say “do you remember when you said…” (3 years ago)! We are making an impression on them without knowing it.

4. a is For… Current Word: Ask and analyze Your Word: ASK Why? I need to work on this. How can I change the lesson to meet the needs of the content and the students? I like how Burgess talks about asking the right questions when designing a lesson.

5. t is For… Current Word: transformation Your Word: TUTELAGE Why? (needed another word for education) I suppose basic ed also changes, but is is crucial for ag educators to stay up to date with content. Science, technology, genetics, etc. is always changing. Continuing education is important.

6. e is For… Current Word: enthusiasm Your Word: ENTHUSIASM Why? This is the most important PIRATE component for me. The basic concept of ag education rocks on its own. However, I must keep on point to make each day rock on the classroom.