What do you love most about being an ag teacher? Hands down my favorite part of being an agriculture teacher is traveling with students to fairs, conferences, FFA field days, SAE project visits, etc.  I love watching them discover new concepts and opportunities outside of the classroom.  I also adore seeing a student handle a cow for the first time, or growing their first plant and observing the excitement and joy in their eyes.  Finally, I enjoy helping students figure out their agriculture passion and assisting them in becoming better leaders and productive members of society.  My job is so much more than being in the classroom and that is what I love most.

What is your biggest challenge as an ag teacher? My biggest challenge as an agriculture teacher is teaching new subjects that may not be my expertise.  As a lifelong learner I enjoy these opportunities and the support I get from my teaching partners and fellow ag teaching friends.  I hope to continue to grow throughout the years and make teaching certain subjects less of a challenge.

What have you learned thus far in your teaching career that you wish you would have known when you first began teaching? In my first year of teaching I have learned that you cannot change everything the second you begin teaching. Moving mountains takes time, and even though it is great to be ambitious and passionate it also is admirable to be patient and humble.

What advice would you give a novice teacher entering this profession now? I would tell them to be patient and that the workload and figuring out how a district works takes time and it does get easier.  I would also strongly encourage taking up a healthy hobby to do on their free time and to make time for friends and family.  Also, do not be afraid to reach out! So many people are willing to help!

What personal qualities or abilities do you think are important to being successful in this profession? The specific qualities I find important in being an ag teacher include humility, patience, practice and a strong drive.  Also, I believe young teachers need to go outside of their comfort zones and teach different subjects they are unfamiliar with because it will eventually make them a well-rounded educator.  Take advantage of trainings and networking opportunities, also pay attention in college! You will thank your professors later on down the road.

What specific skills are important to being successful in this profession? Learn your subject! Be skillful in what you are teaching your students, you are a professional!  Learn how to backup and pull a livestock trailer as soon as possible.  Finally, be able to think on your feet and be incredibly flexible.  Organization is a must, the students, parents and other staff will appreciate you for it as well.

What most prepared you for being an agriculture educator? The strongest preparation for becoming an Ag Teacher was my student teaching opportunity I engaged in at Hamilton High School with my Cooperating Teachers, Janice Lohse and Ryan Bentz.  They are two of the most dynamic hard working individuals that do a lot with what they have for their small school.  I learned so much from them; such as organization, running an officer team, running a program, making administrative decisions, and of course teaching.  Taking advantage of student teaching is a must and as great as it may sound to jump into an internship to make money I am so glad I had the opportunity to sit back and learn before diving in.  Graduating from CSU, Chico was also an incredible experience I will be forever grateful for.  I was able to learn so much through my professors and my active involvement in the college.

Describe ag teaching in one to two words. Incredibly rewarding.