2019 Student Teacher Check-In with Victoria Herr (@Victoria_Herr)

We love hearing from our Student Teachers! Aside from frequently checking in with them, and seeing all the amazing things they do with their students in their classrooms and through FFA, we would like to help share their experience student teaching, how they're overcoming the challenges they meet along the way, and how they're preparing themselves for a future teaching Agriculture!

Our next Student Teacher Check-In is with Ms. Victoria Herr, spending her spring semester alongside Mr. Jerry Hughes at Penns Manor High School in Clymer, PA. We asked Victoria about her favorite parts of student teaching, challenges, and unique opportunities she was able to have along the way so far.

We're already seeing a common theme among our student teachers, as Victoria shares that her favorite part of student teaching is the students. “Almost every day after school, I find myself calling my family and friends to talk about 'my kids'. They make me laugh, keep me on my toes, and remind me of why I am here.” Through her time at Penns Manor, she has really enjoyed building relationships with her students, and she’s going to miss them when it’s time for her to leave the school.

Victoria's students working in her Small Gas Engines class.

Victoria has the opportunity to teach a number of classes at Penns Manor, including Animal Science, Small Gas Engines, Electricity, Floriculture, Plant Science, and Leadership. She finds it hard to pick a favorite class because she loves the variety she gets to see throughout a days’ work of teaching. “The variability of my days is exciting and really keeps me on my toes.”

One of the greatest opportunities Victoria’s had since starting her student teaching at Penns Manor is to work beside a veteran teacher like Mr. Hughes. “Mr. Hughes has quite a few years under his belt, he is an important member of the community, and he is an amazing ag teacher. His stories always make me laugh but honestly, I have learned so much from him.” Victoria sees him as an excellent mentor, and a great resource. He’s helped substantially in reminder her when she needs to work on what and has been a source of encouragement for her during tough days.

One of the challenges that Victoria has faced this semester is the challenge of stepping into a teaching and learning environment that is different than what she’s been used to in the past. The students and the area are different from where Victoria grew up, so she’s been working to adapt her teaching style to meet the needs of her students. “I have learned to roll with the punches and adjust my teaching to what will suit them and motivate them the best.” Another challenge, which is common for any teacher, is to know that plans will always change. Whether lessons take longer or shorter than expected, schedules change, or anything else happens, Victoria says that ultimately her instruction is focused on the needs of her students.

We asked Victoria if she has any advice to share about her student teaching experience, and she wanted to share advice for the future AEE cohorts at Penn State. She says to, “Find the right cooperating teacher. You can learn the content anywhere, you can master skills anywhere.” It’s important to find a cooperating teacher who you’re comfortable with, and who will push you to be the best teacher you can be. Victoria’s student teaching experience is going well because she was able to choose a mentor that she can ask questions, get advice from, and rely on when she needs help. It's never too early to start thinking ahead, building connections, and planning what your student teaching experience will entail for you.

“I couldn’t imagine student teaching anywhere else…”

It was fantastic to be able to check in with Ms. Victoria Herr and gain some more insight into what the student teaching experience is like. We wish Victoria the best of luck as she powers through the rest of her student teaching experience and prepares to graduate from Penn State in May!   

Hunter Kauffman

Team Leader, @TeachAgPSU Communications

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

College of Agricultural Sciences