We could tell you all day long why we think you should choose a career in agricultural education. But don't take it from us - here are words straight from ag education students, current teachers, and leaders in ag industry.

• Perspectives from Ag Teachers
• Perspectives from Ag Education Majors
• Perspectives from Ag Industry Leaders

Ag Teachers

Mr. Brad J. Schloesser
South Central College,
North Mankato, MN
 http://southcentral.edu/programs/agbs/

Ag Teacher for 27 years
B.S. Ag Education, University of Minnesota
M.S. Animal Science, Montana State University

“I have been blessed in the past dozen years to travel as a teacher of agriculture to seven different countries and many remote locations in those regions of the world where the language may be different but, the people, their desire to learn and appreciation of where their food originates is common to the core – just like mine.”

“The friendships that I have developed with professionals in Agricultural Education over time are very significant to me and provide a unique compensation – one that I do not take for granted or place a price on.  The profession is worth pursuing. Knowing that a person is better today because of the tools they have acquired, the knowledge of how to use them and the respect they share regarding the learning process.”

Describe being an ag teacher:
“R-E-S-P-E-C-T-E-D”

Mrs. Rose Hartschuh
Bellevue City Schools,
Bellevue, OH

Ag Teacher for 2 years
B.S. Ag Education, The Ohio State University

What do you look forward to most every day?
“Every day is different. Ag teachers have the opportunity to teach exciting curriculum, build relationships with students and community members, and be an advocate for the agricultural industry... sometimes all in the same class period! I love the diversity of activities we encounter and the diversity of the audiences we serve. Not to mention, I have some of the best, and most fun, colleagues I could ask for!”

“I never realized how much impact my students would have on me. I learn something from them every day. They make me laugh, they make me think, and they continue to impress me. It makes my job so worthwhile.”

Describe being an ag teacher:
“Exhilarating” “By far, there is no career like Ag Education.”

Mr. Matthew B. Eddy
Southeast Polk High School,
Pleasant Hill, IA

Ag Teacher for 11 years
B.S. Ag Education, Iowa State University
M.Ed. Ag Education, Iowa State University

What do you look forward to most every day?
“The ability to get students excited about our industry and the career choices that it holds for them.  The most fun comes when they find something that clicks with their goals and realize that Ag is pretty ‘cool’.”

What makes you most proud as an ag teacher?
“Seeing students achieve what they thought they couldn’t or didn’t know about in the first place.”

Mr. Patrick Wellert  
Chino Valley Unified School District
Chino Valley, AZ
http://www.chinoffa.com  

Ag Teacher for 8 years
B.S. Ag Education, University of Arizona
M.Ed Educational Technology, Northern Arizona University

“I wanted a career that would be fun and could help people. I saw how much fun my own ag teachers were having and decided this is a career that would fulfill my needs.”

“Teaching daily lessons has to be (my favorite part of being an ag teacher). There is so much that goes into planning a lesson and it is fun to watch students participate in different labs and activities. I feel like sometimes if I do it right I don’t even have to be there and the students will succeed and learn all on their own."

What do you most look forward to everyday?
“Trying to expect the unexpected."

Ms. Karla Turner
Hinds Community College Raymond Center
Raymond, Mississippi

Ag Teacher for 6 years
B.S. Ag Economics, Mississippi State University
M.S. Forest Products, Mississippi State University
Ph.D in progress in Agriculture Extension and Education, Mississippi State University

“Just recently I received a letter from a former student who thanked me for being a part of her life. As an agriculture teacher, my intent is to provide my students with a unique educational experience. This particular student felt that she would not be where she was today if it had not been for my assistance and persistence during her time in my class. Not to mention the skills she learned through FFA, “you taught me life skills, Ms. Turner.”

“Seeing my students leave my classroom and becoming productive citizens and coming back to give back and encourage others (is what makes me the most proud as an ag teacher).”

Describe being an ag teacher in one word: “Exhilarating”

Mr. Chad Massar
Joliet High School
Joliet, Montana

Ag Teacher for 13 years
B.A. Montana State University-Bozeman in Agricultural Education.  

“My favorite part of being an ag teacher is doing something new in every class every day.  The variety to get to do a lot of things and we don’t let the books get in the way of our student’s education!”

“Teaching Ag is a calling just like any other profession.  You will have days you hate it, but on the days you love it ( which will outnumber the days you don’t) you can really love it!”

“A memorable moment from my teaching experience came when I had an autistic student recite the first paragraph of the FFA Creed, I had told him he could just write it down, as per his IEP, but he got up in front of the class and hit it word for word, the other students picked up their game after that!”

Aaron Geiman
North Carroll High School
Hampstead, Maryland

Ag Teacher for 8 years
B.S. in Animal Science and Ag Education
Oklahoma State University
M.Ed in Career and Technical Education
University of Maryland-Eastern Shore

“The biggest surprise has been realizing how many students grow into adults that truly value their experiences from ag ed and FFA.”

“Agriculture teachers are different than other teachers because we develop the whole student – mentally, physically and emotionally.  Mentally by what we teach – classroom.  Physically by how we teach – laboratory and SAE activities.  Emotionally through FFA and leadership development.”

Describe being an ag teacher in one word: “Invigorating.”

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Agricultural Education Majors

Name: Julia Townsley  
University: Iowa State University
University Ag Education Advisor: Dr. Greg Miller
High School Ag Ed Program:  Muscatine High School, Iowa
High School Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor: Mrs. Amy Smith and Mr. Seth Harrison
Major: Senior in Ag Education
University Size: 26,000 students
University Ag Education Website:
http://www.ag.iastate.edu

“Many experiences and people directed me to ag education, but Amy Smith, my high school ag teacher demonstrated how much of an impact one teacher can have and was definitely an inspiration.  I was able to see how a successful agriculture program worked and how a passionate individual could influence students as well as the community through one ag program which is what I would like to do someday.”

“I just finished my coursework and will be student teaching in the fall, but my favorite courses (I can’t choose!) were my study abroad courses, one was an agronomy course in Ghana and the other a global agriculture course in Italy. The people at Iowa State are great. The professors are helpful and willing to work with students.  There are also so many opportunities available for students to get involved in.”

Advice to someone thinking about going into Ag Education:
“If you have broad agricultural interests and love working with people, become an ag education major!” 

Kacey Beth Garland  
Ag Education Senior
Pennsylvania State University

Advisor: Dr. Daniel Foster
High School Ag Ed Program:  Kutztown Area High School
High School Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor: Mrs. Celeste Ball

University Size: 40,000 students
University Ag Education Website:
http://agexted.cas.psu.edu/

“FFA and my advisor/agriculture teacher had the biggest impact on my life thus far. It is because of the agricultural program at Kutztown Area High School that I am the person I am today on this current career path.”

“There is a window of opportunity available in this area (agriculture) of education and we are in need of quality agricultural educators. And Penn State has one of the best programs around to provide those quality educators.”

Advice to someone thinking about going into Ag Education:
“To anyone who is thinking about a career in Ag Education, make sure you like to be around youth of all ages first. So go get some experience with kids by babysitting, being a camp counselor, and working at a daycare.” 

Clayton Hensley
Ag Education Senior
South Dakota State University

Advisors: Dr. Amy Smith and Dr. Lonell Moeller

High School Ag Ed Program: Elgin, Nebraska
High School Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor: Mr. Phil Simpson 

University Size: 13,000 students
University Ag Education Website:
http://www. aged.sdstate.edu

“I always asked “Why?” growing up and ag ed gave me a lot of the answers.  Ag ed also gives me the opportunity to do something new and different every day. Not many careers are like that. Above all as an educator I have a chance to make a difference. I can inspire, engage, and change the lives of youth.”

“The teachers and staff (at South Dakota State University) are amazing. They really want to get to know you on a personal level. They are there for you as a student but yet find a way to push you to work outside your bubble and try something new. One thing they really push is building professional relationships, whether it is with other professors or teachers in the area, or with your fellow students. They are all there to help you grow as an individual.”

Advice to someone thinking about going into Ag Education:
“DO IT! It’s amazing Ag Education majors are really our own breed! That said, we form a family that can be relied on for almost anything.” 

Kaylee Liddiard

Agricultural Education Senior
Utah State University

University Ag Education Advisor: Dr. Brian Warnick
High School Ag Education Program/Teacher: Spanish Fork, UT Ms. Kasee Smith and Mr. George Jackson

University Size: 16,000 students
University Ag Education Website: http://www.usu.edu/aste/ag_ed/

“I chose Ag Ed because of a love of FFA and agriculture.  I looked back on my high school career and saw that most of my success and high moments were because of the FFA and my agriculture teacher.”

“My experience at Utah State has been amazing because the program cares about you as a person, not just a number. There are amazing teachers and advisors that are there to help get you through the program and find you a job!”

Advice to someone thinking about going into Ag Education:
“DO IT!!!!! Nothing is better than going into Agricultural Education.  You learn so much and even if being an agricultural educator isn’t your thing, there are still jobs out there.  There is no other degree that gets you so diversified in agriculture.”

Tim Fleischer

Agricultural Education Senior
The Ohio State University

http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~hcrd/

University Size: 63,000 students
University Ag Education Advisor: Dr. Jamie Cano

Favorite College Classes:
"My plant identification courses taught by Dr. Pablo Jourdan.  Twice a week for ten weeks I got to walk around parks, gardens and arboretums and look at trees and shrubs; beats sitting in class!”

“You will come out of Ohio State ready and prepared for teaching.  The faculty cares about you and strives to insure your future success.”

Advice to someone thinking about going into Ag Education:
“If you are in an ag-related major and think you would like to teach, go talk to your ag. ed. department.  I took this route and I could not be more excited about my future in education.  Also, think progressively!  Agriculture and environment/natural resources are sciences on the forefront of many solutions to world problems.  Teach your students topics that are current and that will have future relevancy!”

Sara Vandenbos

Agricultural Education Senior
Utah State University

 http://usu.edu/aste  

University Size: 24,000 students
University Ag Education Advisor: Dr. Brian Warnick

High School Ag Program: Meridian High School,  Meridian, Idaho
High School Ag Teachers: Erika Cowman, Jack Blattner, and Steve Wilder

“My high school Ag teachers were the ones that really inspired me to go into the Agricultural Education profession.  They did not push me or say it was the best calling – they simply lived out loud.  Their ability to influence students to the level they did really changed my perspective on life and one person can really make a difference.”

“I would highly recommend USU’s Agricultural Education program.  USU attracts students, like me, from all over the west because of their quality, dedication, attention to each one of their students.  My professors held an open door policy and I knew I could always count on them if I had a question or needed some advice in a situation.”

Advice to someone thinking about going into Ag Education:
“Ag Ed is a very diverse program as you are versed in many subject areas. You are taught everything from genetics to floriculture so be prepared to learn a lot of information but have fun while doing it.  We are one of the few majors that still use hands on techniques so most of your classes will be taught using multiple learning strategies. If you want to make a difference in the lives of young people, have fun teaching agriculture, and get to be around all those blue jackets – Agricultural Education is the major for you!”

Kellie Claflin
Agricultural Education senior
University of Wisconsin-River Falls

http://www.uwrf.edu/ag-education

University Size: 6700 students
Advisors: Dr. James Graham and Dr. Tim Buttles

High School Ag Program: Osseo-Fairchild High School, Wisconsin
High School Ag Teacher: Mr. Eric Boettcher

“Some days it seems as if agricultural education almost chose me. As a high school student sitting in my agriculture classes, I started thinking about how I would teach the content – which inspired me to become an agricultural educator!”

“River Falls is a great place to go for Ag Ed! You get to know the faculty personally, as well as get the chance to participate in a variety of activities ranging from presenting parliamentary procedures workshops around the state of Wisconsin to helping with career development events held on campus.”

Advice to someone thinking about going into Ag Education:
“Go for it! Agricultural education is so diverse – there’s something for everyone!”

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Agriculture Industry Leaders

Mr. Dan Durheim
Executive Director
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
Washington, DC

High School Ag Program: Eagle Bend, MN  

“Agricultural education offers students an opportunity to apply classroom learning to real life.  It is the vehicle that makes the elements of learning more enjoyable.  In the long run ag ed. develops students to achieve and find their unique pathway to success.”

“Being in the business of telling the story of agriculture we work to build awareness and understanding of agriculture through education.  With the average person being more than three generations removed from the farm we rely on agricultural education to provide a base for those who are interested in agriculture to spark an interest in developing their passion for agriculture.”

“My agriculture teacher provided me opportunity. Growing up in a town of 500 people I didn’t think of working for the nation’s largest and most influential agricultural organization in Washington, DC.  Today I am because of the opportunity that was offered and I took advantage of.”

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Mr. Douglas C. DeVries
Senior Vice-President
Global Marketing Services-Agriculture and Turf Division
John Deere Company

“Ag Ed as a background for employee preparation remains a very valuable experience.  The application of sound techniques in science and math, coupled with strong experiential learning prepares students for the rigors of work in a unique way.”

“Since teaming, making good decisions and understanding the broader context of an issue or problem are those crucial qualities that make good leaders, (John Deere) believes in Ag Ed.”

“(John Deere) looks for employees that are not only intelligent with good academic credentials but also are able to demonstrate a practical application of that knowledge.”

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Mr. Jeff Simmons
President
Elanco Animal Health

Former Pen Yan FFA Chapter, New York
2009 Chairman of the FFA Foundation Board
National Proficiency Winner in Ag Processing
Eastern Region Star in Agribusiness 

“I was talking to my FFA advisor, Mr. Warren Giles, about some concerns I had about the New York grape industry, my family’s business, and he challenged me, he said, “Why don’t you start speaking about it?” He challenged me to go into public speaking contests to share my concerns, so I had the opportunity to participate across the state giving talks about the New York grape industry. It not only taught me to speak up about something I believe in and feel passionate about, it really started to build my confidence for public speaking.”

“Warren Giles’ challenge to me was not “Why?” but “Why not?” Why not participate? Why not become the star agribusiness in the United States? His “Why not?” drove me to dream much bigger, and as a result I became more of the dreamer that helped me cast the vision I’m living today. He was always asking me the question, “Why not, Jeff, why can’t you do that???”  That got me to believe in myself and fueled me.”

“Agricultural education grounds students in the fundamentals, and good agricultural business people need to understand the fundamentals”

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Mr. Glen Stith
Vice-President, Commercial Operations North America/Latin America North, Crop Protection Division, Monsanto

Former Mead County High School FFA Member, Kentucky

Kentucky State FFA President 1972-1973

“Agricultural education helps to develop accountable and responsible leaders as future employees through leadership, communication skills and a sense of ownership, accountability and personal responsibility.”

“One summer, while at FFA Leadership Camp in Kentucky, my advisor, Mr. James Greer, pulled me aside on the second day and told me that he was disappointed with my lack of engagement and participation. He told me that he thought I was capable of making very significant achievements in my professional life and that the experience this week would help me develop myself as a leader. At the end of the week, I was awarded with an Outstanding Leader Award and went on to become State President and very successful in the corporate world. Because he believed in me, gave me tough feedback and challenged me, I set higher expectations for myself. I am very grateful for that to this very day.”

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Mr. Vern Hawkins
President, U.S. Commercial Operations
Syngenta Crop Protection
Former member North Miami FFA Chapter, Indiana

“Agricultural education has a more important place in the world’s future than our population realizes.  Helping young people understand the contribution agriculture makes and its interdependencies with science, chemistry, math and other core subjects is important.”

“My ag teacher/FFA advisor (Mr. Keith Overton) made learning fun.  Many of his teaching techniques involved experiential learning, which made many of the concepts he taught easier to apply and retain.  Mr. Overton was also an effective motivator.  He utilized many FFA events to challenge my classmates and I to set goals and pursue achievement of them. I chose to pursue a career in agriculture because of the enjoyment and learning I gained from Mr. Overton and my FFA experiences.”

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