We are often times looking for new inspiration or motivation to be successful in the classroom as an educator. One of the best ways to get inspiration and motivation is to ask questions for current educators to answer. Our current educator featured in the blog is Janae Pettit. She is one of two educators at Broadway High School in Rockingham County Virginia. Janae is part of the #psuaged15 cohort, and has been teaching for two years.
As an educator there will be times where you will be inspired by your students to be an even better teacher. One of Janae's most inspiring moments was this year when her students traveled to the Big E. Her students had worked hard in their Market Plan team for the past 3 years, and they were finally successful in winning a trip to the Big E as they placed second in there state competition. "Their attitude of "4th time's the charm" is really inspiring for me to know that now that they have a taste of what it's like to win, that they want to keep working to improve as much as they can!" In her first year, Janae had spent her time trying to teach in the style that her co-teacher and cooperating teacher had done. In her second year she had realized that if she wants to be the best teacher and advisor that she can be, she must find her own way. "I stopped writing lesson plans, coaching CDE teams, and being an FFA advisor the way that they did, and started trusting in my own decisions. I took what I learned from them (because they are all amazing teachers and advisors!) and put my own spin on it! I found a new love for my job when I could just be myself!" 
One of her favorite moments as an educator was during this past summer when she had spent time with the 2017-2018 Broadway FFA officers at a retreat. The officers wanted to do an overnight retreat at a summer camp, and they took ownership in the experience. "They had a genuine interest in getting to know each other and took advantage of the time they had together to not only plan cool things for our chapter, but to just have fun and grow as a team." In the past two years Janae has learned that no matter how much planning she does something will go wrong. She believes that creating plans and being organized and then trying to stick to the plan just doesn't work as an agricultural educator. "The key isn't being perfect, it's being able to bounce back." One of Janae's biggest struggles was taking a job so far from home. Even though this was one of the toughest things she has done it has been the most rewarding to her. She chose the job because it was the best fit for her and she has not regretted a day from that decision.
Her one piece of advice that she gives to incoming agricultural educators is to stay ahead of the game. She explains, "Life is so much smoother when you are a day or two ahead, instead of a day or two behind." We are excited to see what all you accomplish throughout your career as an agricultural educator! 
Luke Kerstetter
Student Blogger
Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96
2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher
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