After One Year of Being an Educator - Jenna Timmons's (@jitimmons) Experience

Have you ever wondered how the first year of being an agricultural educator goes for that beginning teacher? If so, you are in luck for we are diving into the experience that Jenna Timmons had this past year teaching at Gettysburg High School in Adams County. She is one of the educators from the #psuaged16 cohort. The communications team had asked her several questions to better understand how her year went as a beginning teacher.

Her first year was an unique and interesting experience. She had felt unprepared somedays as she was entering the classroom and somedays where she thought to herself, "What did I even teach today?" However, she had realized that she has what it takes to be an effective teacher and that she will strive and try harder tomorrow. She believes that she did okay in her first year as an educator. She had increased that student numbers in the department and class size which made her feel accomplished. Her confidence has boosted for she has grown in her professional role as being a successful educated person who was fortunate to earn a role at a great school. She explained, "In addition, my confidence in being able to control a class and create purposeful lessons for a class has increased and allowed me to stand in front of a class or a room full of FFA members and know that I am adding value and purpose to my students’ lives."

Her piece of advice for beginning teachers is just as significant as her teaching experience. Her advice is, "Do not give up and do not quit. You had this dream for a reason and you need to see it through. It will get better, I promise." She also added that the student who appreciates you needs you! During her first year she came upon an inspiring moment when she was able to incorporate her students with special needs into their planting of spring plants. She realized that she gave them an opportunity that they would not have had otherwise. The thing she enjoys the most is the diversity of agriculture. She teaches small gas engines and welding in the morning to turn around in the afternoon to teach horticulture. She loves the difference of content and students. Her students keep her learning and constantly growing as a leader.

Penn State Teach Ag is proud of all that Jenna has accomplished in one year, and we are excited to see what she can accomplish throughout her career.

Luke Kerstetter

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher