Jessica Weisbart
Cal Poly pomona – B.A. in political Science, 1999
employer: Fullerton Joint Union High School District
title: Agriculture Teacher
how long in current position: 8 years

Description of overall job duties and responsibilities:
Department Chair, FFA Advisor, Farm Maintenance, Science Classes (Agriculture Earth Science, Agriculture Biology, Agriculture Economics, Agriculture Government, Veterinary Science)

What is a typical day like?
Agriculture Teaching ranges from classroom lectures, labs, and hands-on training, to farm labs and animal handling techniques.

What personal qualities or abilities are important to being successful in this position?
Organization, time management, professionalism, the willingness to put in long hours and the enjoyment of big rewards.

What specific skills are important to being successful in your job?
Computer skills, organizational skills and knowing people (contacts), resourcefulness.

What part of this job do you find most satisfying?
Seeing the students be successful--being able to give them opportunities they would not get any place else.

What part of this job do you find most challenging?
Trying to offer kids all the opportunities available to is difficult because there is only one of me.

What type of training was offered for your position?
I was in an agriculture program in high school, there are college programs that train you, but I have not had that training.

What additional education/credentials did you obtain?
Bachelors Degree in Political Science, Ag Supplemental, Ag Specialist, Social Science Credential

What advice would you give to students thinking about majoring in Agricultural Science?
Jump in with both feet! It’s a great job with great rewards and helping kids is unmatched by any other career.

What are possible career paths/promotional opportunities from your current position?
Ag teachers can move on to administrative positions, community college and four year university positions.

Is there any other advice you would like to share?
N/A




COURTESY OF AG SCIENCE DEPT CAL POLY POMONA
For More Interviews You Can Visit the "Agricultural Science" Section at this link.