Teaching
School: Prairie View Elementary, Sandwich
Grade: 2nd Grade
Number of years teaching: 11 years
Farm Bureau/Ag Literacy connection: I grew up on a farm in Leland and my family was part of the Farm Bureau. My husband and I continue to be members today. I taught Ag in the Classroom in both Somonauk and Sandwich Schools. I am also one of the Ag Ambassador’s for Sandwich Schools. My daughter was lucky enough to receive one of the Farm Bureau scholarships this past year.
What is something unique that you do in your classroom? Whether it’s FaceTiming a member of the military from their base on Veteran’s Day or talking with a farmer in their field, I love to incorporate real life experiences into my classroom.
Why is it important for students to learn about food and farming? There are fewer and fewer “farm kids” in my classes today. I teach in a rural setting and is important to teach my students about the agriculture that surrounds their daily lives.
Share one memorable teaching story. One of my goals as a teacher is to bring agriculture into the classroom as much as I can. This past fall we were able to visit a farmer harvesting a neighboring field. He stopped his combine and talked with our class about his crop and machinery. To see my students’ faces light up as they watched in awe and then to hear one of them say, “Mrs. Gudmunson, this is the best day ever!” made my heart so happy.
Personal
Hometown: I live on a farm in Somonauk with my family.
Family: Husband, Nate, and four children, McKenna (18), Drew (17), Benson (14) and Cole (13)
College/Degree(s): Bachelor’s Degree in Child & Family Services from Iowa State University; Master’s Degree in Education from Aurora University
What did you want to be when you grew up? A nurse or veterinarian
Favorites
Quote: “Live life like someone left the gate open!”
Hobby: Gardening
Food: A 100% home grown meal. My family takes a lot of pride during the summer months when we can say we are eating a meal that we produced 100% on our farm – vegetables, beef, pork, etc.
Music: Garth Brooks
Sports team: Iowa State Cyclones