November 2015

NEWS A Texas Team Ag Ed Publication

November 2015

Are You Making The Most Of Your Chances?

Ray Pieniazek, East Central

Howdy! What a busy time of year. There is so much going on such as leadership teams, entries for stock shows, fundraising, etc.

I sometimes wonder how we, as ag teachers, survive all of the challenges that each month offers us.

Over the past two months I have shared some ideas and thoughts from reading Forty Chances by Howard Buffet. This month I am going to offer some more to you.

Buffet once encountered an individual that seemed to always focus on a large dream of peace and prosperity for their local people. Are you looking at the larger picture? Are you thinking of the dreams your students hold dear to their hearts? Do you consider the needs of your community?

We are all faced with the challenge of meeting the expectations of what our students want or need. Always keep in mind that our goal is to prepare them for the challenges of the real world. Are you setting the bar high enough for them? Are you making sure they have the chances and opportunities to succeed and develop into tomorrow’s

community leaders?

In the book Buffet talks about individuals who find ways to work between the lines of their job descriptions in times of crisis and opportunity.

In this profession, we all know that there is no way an accurate detailed job description can be written for what we do each day, each week, each month and year after year. We continuously have tasks that arise on a daily basis that we do not expect. Many times this puts us in a situation where we have to work in crisis mode.

As an agricultural science teacher you must learn to not react to situations but adapt to them and make the best of them. Don’t make rash decisions, talk them through with teaching partners, your administration or with someone you can trust. There is no doubt sometimes our days offer both crisis and opportunity.

Make the most of those chances.

In one of the chapters Buffet discusses how much money it might take to save a village; and whether or not it is worth saving a small village versus a larger part of a country. I challenge you to think about this in terms of your ag department? Does one

segment of your department suffer for the good of the entire department? Do all parts share equal importance? The ideal result would be giving your best to all segments of your program so that the entire department and your students benefit by the decisions that are being made.

I wish you luck as you and all of your students continue throughout the semester. I ask that you continue to remind yourself of my question to you.

Are you making the most of your chances and opportunities? I hope you have a great fall and Thanksgiving.

VATAT News

Be Good To Yourself

HAVE YOU MOVED? TRANSFERRED SCHOOLS? DON’T FORGET TO UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION AT

WWW. VATAT. ORG

Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director

It is an accepted fact that teachers have a challenging and difficult career. An agriculture teacher probably has double the stress of the average academic teacher. In addition to the standard academic work of preparing lesson plans, teaching classes, assigning grades, and meeting the expectations of your administrators, agriculture teachers are faced with many additional tasks.

All agriculture students are required to have some type supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program.

A student can choose from a wide variety of SAEs, including but not limited to placement, experimental, exploratory, and entrepreneurial. A teacher must supervise these activities, and some of them require substantial time outside the normal workday. Many students choose livestock show projects as their SAE, and these obviously take many hours to properly oversee.

Many school districts have chosen to provide facilities to house the animal projects. The responsibility to manage and supervise these facilities often falls on the agriculture teacher’s shoulders. At any rate, they don’t manage themselves and they require regular if not daily oversight.

Overseeing and managing FFA activities of all sorts can be time consuming with all types of out of school responsibilities. FFA meetings and conventions, LDEs and CDEs, award and degree applications, scholarships, and the all-important officer elections, are just some of the moving parts that we all contend with.

Agriculture teachers often have more contact with parents than most teachers. Most of the time this is great, but at times the visions of what a program should be can differ. Most unhappy parents I dealt with were well intentioned, but didn’t really have that 30,000 foot view of our program that would have given them the perspective they needed.

Each of you should take time each week to decompress, enjoy your family, and take some time off from the stress and strain of your career. I recently talked with a teacher whose blood pressure was at 190 over 120. You are no good to anyone, your family or your students, if your career causes your health to fail. In short, be good to yourself if you hope to be successful in your life and in your career.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VATAT................................................................1 - 3 Texas FFA.........................................................4 - 5 Foundation....................................................7 Texas FFA Alumni..........................................8 - 9 Young Farmers.............................................10 - 11 2

VATAT News

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VATAT News

UPDATE 2015 Competitive Events Revision Timeline Kaleigh Burnett, Student Recognition and Scholarship Coordinator The goal of the revision is to align our rules as • COMPLETED: July 31st-January 1st: Event closely as possible to the National FFA rules for revisions will continue as needed on an individual qualifying events. However, attention will be given event basis to all events with regard to insuring that the content • COMPLETED: August 19, 2015-Elected LDE of each event is relevant and timely according to Committee Conference Call to set revision subindustry standards and expectations. During this committees and select co-chairs. revision, the focus will be on the college and career • IN PROGRESS: August 2015-CDE Revision readiness standards, as well as the TEKS and Sub-Committee Reports will be gathered, compiled crosswalk those components with the intended and (Still need to post, but they have been compiled) outcomes of each event. Additionally, we would like posted alongside CDE Programmatic Advisory to evaluate the various levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy Committee Minutes for public viewing and feedback. associated with each event component to assess the • August 2015-December 2015-LDE Event Revision; LDEs that culminate to a National FFA relevance and impact that they have for students.

Each committee may meet independently and CDE contest will have to wait until the release of correspond as needed to meet the needs of their National FFA Handbook drafts to formally proceed. respective event. The revision will take place during • IN PROGRESS: October 1st: All LDE committee reports are due to state staff from co-chairs. the 2015-2016 school year.

The following is a tentative timeline of events, • October 15th-November 1st: The elected LDE and is subject to change based on the release of committee can review the reports/recommendations.

• November 5th-25th: The elected LDE committee information from National FFA: can have conference calls as needed with co-chairs.

• COMPLETED: June 8, 2015: Revision Committee • January 5th all rules drafts due for presentation Sign Up sheets due from Area Coordinators to the board (As available from National FFA, etc.)

• COMPLETED: June 9, 2015: Send the committee • January 2016-Anticpated release of proposed sign-up sheet to current CDE committee members to changes and draft handbooks released from National “rank” volunteers FFA • COMPLETED: June 10, 2015: Elected CDE • January 2016-Finalize Texas FFA Rules drafts to Committee Meeting at Degree Check to finalize release for approval at 3rd Quarter Texas FFA BOD revision committee placement Meeting for approval. Release to the state for public • COMPLETED: July 27, 2015: Revision committee comment pending board approval. meetings at VATAT Conference from 1:00-3:00 pm • Final meeting of revision committees-2016 • COMPLETED: July 30, 2015: Elected CDE Degree Check (one day prior? TBA) Committee Meeting; first revision committee reports • 4th Quarter Texas FFA Board of Directors will be shared Meeting-Final approval of all rules documents for all • COMPLETED: July 31, 2015: Speaking Events events Programmatic Advisory Committee appointed co- • Elected CDE committee approves/revises any chairs for Speaking Development Events Revisions unaccepted changes not approved by the Texas FFA from elected committee members.

BOD (as needed) • IN PROGRESS: July 31st-January 1st These • Roll out of all new rules and changes at the 2016 members will work to facilitate the revision. SDEs that VATAT Conference culminate to a National FFA CDE contest will have • New rules will take effect in the 2016-2017 school to wait until the release of National FFA Handbook year, and will be effective for the 2017 National FFA Convention and Expo drafts to formally proceed.

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VATAT News

Area Realignment Concerns Submission Tom Maynard, Texas FFA Executive Director If you have any concerns about area realignment as it pertains to your chapter, please be sure to convey them to your area’s representative no later November 13, 2015 as reflected in the realignment timeline document. These concerns are due to state staff on this date and will be compiled and sent to the entire commission. This is your chance to be heard on this vital matter. All information pertaining to area realignment, include members of the commission, can be found at https://www.texasffa.org/page. aspx?ID=254.

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PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE TEXAS FFA

5/1/15 3:18 PM

VATAT News

UPDATE Texas Agricultural Science Teachers …. What You May Not See Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation Executive Director One of my favorite sayings, “You don’t have to be loud to be heard.” In the world of development (fundraising is a part of what we do), we say that philanthropy is the giving of time, talent or treasure.

So just how big is the giving by Texas’ agricultural science teachers? Let’s look at the numbers, results, and overall impact of our teachers and just what they contribute in time, talent and treasures.

First, let’s be clear that we appreciate the efforts of all educators. We know they are undervalued and underappreciated. While there are some benefits to being an educator, overall it is not a job taken for the salaries, respect or acknowledgment for a job well done – most teachers do their job from the heart.

Let’s look at the scope of Texas agricultural science education. We have approximately 170,000 students enrolled in agriculture courses in Texas. We have 1,950 agricultural science teachers. Texas FFA membership is approximately 110,000 (NOTE: Texas FFA membership has consistently grown since 2000). There are 1,050 local FFA chapters. In addition to the entire scope of the program, where the rubber meets the road provides another insight into the impact of our teachers.

Our best teachers are just like successful people in any profession. Our best teachers arrive early to school; stay late; are on 24-hour notice to help a student with a supervised agriculture experience project; are serving as class sponsor; are driving a school bus; working a concession stand; providing security for a sporting event; traveling across the state and country to secure project animals; training multiple leadership development event teams; training multiple career development event teams; serving as counselor, mentor and sometime “parent figure” to students trying to find their way. Wow! What an incredible investment of time and talent.

In addition to the time and talent, many of our teachers take from their own pockets to help a student in need. I have been fortunate to meet many teachers who buy meals, FFA jackets, assist with feed for projects, and in some cases pay dues so a student can enjoy a complete FFA experience. Simply put, our

teachers can be the catalyst for a greater understanding of philanthropy / giving. One, we need to let them know we appreciate them. Two, we need to encourage them to share their incredible story so others know just how valued they are to public education.

The teacher in space on the Space Shuttle Challenger, Christa McAuliffe said, “I touch the future ….I teach.” Texas agricultural science teachers are not only touching the future by sharing their knowledge, you are touching the future by developing students with a sense of respect, responsibility and resiliency.

The positive life skills and professional network associated with a successful local agricultural science program empowers students with an incredible gift… opportunity….one they are prepared to capitalize upon.

Good friend and supporter of the Texas FFA, Mr. Dick Wallrath told me, “Aaron, every day I want you to do two nice things for someone. If anyone finds out about either of the nice things, you have to go find two more nice things to do.” He was sharing the philosophy – you don’t have to be loud to be heard.

Texas agricultural science teachers you too are appreciated even though we don’t always hear all that you do. As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment and say thank you for your unselfish contribution to our local Texas communities, our state and country. We have a better place to live, work and raise our families as a result of what you do …. many times in a quiet, compassionate and selfless manner.

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VATAT News

UPDATE Alumni Dues Have Changed Kelly White, Texas FFA Alumni President Annual National FFA affiliation dues are $100 for an Alumni affiliate. Annual State FFA affiliation dues are $100 for an Alumni affiliate.

Affiliation Overview Membership processes and reporting: • Annual fee of $100 for National Dues per local affiliate for the affiliate program providing basic support to all volunteers of that local affiliate. This annual fee would be waived if the local affiliate has at least 25 life members. This process would continue to provide additional annual members in the affiliate coverage to keep them current and active without any additional fees.

• Annual fee of $100 for State Dues per local affiliate for the affiliate program providing basic support to all volunteers of that local affiliate. This annual fee would be waived if the local affiliate has at least 25 life members. This process would continue to provide additional annual members in the affiliate coverage to keep them current and active without any additional fees.

• Reported membership information in all required fields with a minimum of 10 local affiliate members will continue to be in place for the affiliate to be considered active.

• The affiliate must keep required affiliate information completed and updated in Ag Career Network to remain active.

• Designate a responsible key contact to sign up the affiliate and keep affiliate information current and communicate to members.

Goals and Objectives The National Alumni Council and staff have identified the following goals for the affiliation program.

• Provide the affiliate program to all states and local affiliates across the country to ensure they can participate to grow their volunteers and support for agricultural education and FFA. • Provide implementation strategies and training to state and local alumni leaders to ensure they 8

understand the opportunities and benefits in being connected at the local, state and national levels.

• Provide resources and training to state and local leaders on how to use Ag Career Network to report membership, collect data and keep valued alumni records and information in a safe location for operations.

• Provide multiple communication resources that will allow the National Alumni Council, national and state staff the ability to provide information and resources to assist individual members and the local alumni affiliates.

• For additional supporting goals resulting in increased participation please refer to the benefits of this program below.

What Affiliates and Their Members Receive • Affiliates will receive the ability to use the National FFA tax reporting benefits as a National affiliate.

Filing the proper documentation and keeping their active affiliate status in place provides this option as a member affiliate of National FFA. • The local affiliate and all associates have full access to use the National FFA Alumni Ag Career Network and all resources to provide information, house resources, report data, report & process membership, search for career opportunities and discover promising practices to grow the affiliate and its members.

• Key alumni and FFA Organization updates, information, sponsor supported benefits are all available by keeping your individual profiles on AgCN up to date.

• Electronic “New Visions” alumni newsletter and FFA’s “New Horizons” magazine.

• New supportive resources for the local alumni affiliate and their members to become stronger advocates. The needed tools to work with school and community based partners to sustain and grow support for local agricultural education programs and FFA chapters to ensure the success and experience for future generations.

• To be part of a national network united to support agriculture, agricultural education and FFA. Each local

VATAT News affiliates actions and support adds to the support of the state and the national level as there is increased support in numbers.

Benefits • Make it easy for individuals to join and less work for local volunteers and affiliates to obtain national membership and receive benefits.

• Provide an option for those who want to provide their support both in volunteer hours and financial contributions to the local level and still have the ability to communicate on a national level and receive key information keeping their local programs strong.

• Mobilize a larger network of local volunteers and supporters. Collect and report their contributions in time, talent and support and be recognized for their efforts at the local, state and national levels.

• National Alumni Association taking on a new focus of membership services rather than membership management • Current booster clubs not seeing the value of national alumni membership will become involved utilizing key information, promising practices and provided services.

• Increase the active national affiliates and combined support of alumni keeping an increased number of local FFA chapter and agricultural education program strong and sustainable at all levels.

Contact Kelly White at whitek@ltisdschools.org or kbwhite63@gmail.com

FFA ALUMNI DUES Pay National Dues Now For Fiscal Year Sept 1 to Aug 31 & Texas dues deadline is February 15th

Pay at FFA.org Would members of your Alumni chapter like to receive a copy of the VATAT News? If so, please send their first and last name along with their mailing address to vatat@vatat.org.

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VATAT News

UPDATE Notes From the Executive Secretary Don Beene, Texas Young Farmers Executive Secretary I sincerely hope that as you look through this newsletter you are making plans to attend the 2016 Texas Young Farmer Convention in Bryan, January 7-10. There is a copy of the registration form on the opposite page of the newsletter. The board has worked very hard to make this a memorable convention. They have planned some very interesting tours, excellent meals and entertainment.

We want to thank Terry Hausenfluck for all his hard work with coordinating the tours and various activities.

Please be aware that we have a new contest.

We have changed the Farm Business Management Contest to it a quiz about the tours and the Texas Young Farmers. We will also be holding a photo contest and an essay contest; the topics are on our webpage.

We still have the Basket Contest and hope that each chapter will bring an entry. This contest has a twofold purpose as it is a chance for your chapter to win some money, plus it will be sold in the auction to benefit our scholarships.

Also, please remember that the dues deadline is upon us. I would appreciate it if you would fill out the new form on the excel spread sheet and email it to me. This process should eliminate any error. Our addresses are very important as we use that to send the newsletter.

I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. I encourage you to take the time to remember all of the blessings that we have received throughout the year.

but it’s still enlightening every time I read it. There was a farmer who grew excellent quality corn. Every year he won the award for the best grown corn. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.

“How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year,” the reporter asked.

“Why sir,” said the farmer, “Didn’t you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, crosspollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn.

If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn.”

So is with our lives. Those who want to live meaningfully and well must help enrich the lives of others, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

That’s all I have for this month, I urge you to share your corn and prosper. I hope to see each of you at the State Convention in January.

Notes From Your President

STAY CONNECTED

Kenneth Brown, Texas Young Farmers President A big part of Young Farmers is to help others. A common thought process in competitions and politics is that you have to put others down to make yourself look better. While there is some truth to that, it’s certainly not doing the right thing when it happens. A biblical verse to reference if you desire is Galatians 6:2. I have a short story that may explain my viewpoint, hope you enjoy it.

Some of you have probably heard this story before 10

WITH THE

TEXAS YOUNG FARMERS TXYOUNGFARMERS.ORG

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Upcoming Events November

December

1st Texas Young Farmers Dues & Roster Deadline

January

1st Junior FFA Dues Deadline

2nd FFA Dues Deadline

5th & 6th State LDE’s at Sam Houston State University

9th Late Priority Swine Tag Order Deadline

14th VATAT Board Meeting, Austin

30th Last Day to Validate Swine

24th - Jan. 3rd Team Ag Ed Offices Closed

7th-10th Texas Young Farmers Convention, Bryan 11th Texas FFA Board Meeting, Austin 12th Texas FFA Foundation Board Meeting, Austin

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Officers Ray Pieniazek, President

Shane Crafton, Vice President

Michael Meadows, Secretary/Treasurer

Staff Barney McClure, Executive Director

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Ashley Dunkerley, Communications

Karen Jones, Membership Services