Teaching
Schools: Hiawatha Jr. & Sr. High Schools
Grades: 7-12
Subjects: Agriculture
Number of years teaching: 10
Farm Bureau/Ag Literacy connection: My students help present the Ag in the Classroom lessons every year and I have served as my school’s Ag Literacy Ambassador.
What is your favorite unit to teach? I love to teach plant propagation in my Horticulture class. Horticulture is my favorite subject because I love trees and I appreciate outdoor living spaces.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? I enjoy interacting with students and watching them grow from 7th graders all the way through senior year.
What is something unique that you do in your schools? I host mock job interviews with local business professionals for all of my Agribusiness students to prepare for careers.
Why is it important for students to learn about food and farming? Students need to know the facts about their food and be aware of career opportunities in the agriculture industry.
Share one memorable teaching story: My favorite memories are when former students share their stories of career success.
How do you inspire your students: I try to get to know each student and lead by example. I like to share stories of how I used to be in their shoes.
Personal
Hometown: Belvidere
Family: Wife, Taylor, and children, Forest and Fisher
College/Degree(s): Associate’s Degree in Landscape Design from Kishwaukee College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education from Southern Illinois University
What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a nurseyman or arborist.
Favorites
Quote: “Blessed are those who plant trees under whose shade they will never sit.” Unknown
Hobbies: Fishing, tree walks
Book: The Book of James from “The Bible”
Music: Punk
Sports teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Bears, Cubs
TV Show: “Stranger Things”
Travel Destination: Alaska