Teaching:
School: Genoa-Kingston High School
Grade: 9-12
Subjects: Agriculture
Number of years teaching: 15 years
Farm Bureau/Ag Literacy connection: My students help present Ag in the Classroom lessons every year, and I have been the ag literacy ambassador for our school.
What is your favorite unit to teach? I truly enjoy teaching agriculture in all aspects and different areas. I enjoy the excitement of a student striking their first welding arc, students’ excitement over seeing plants grow in a greenhouse, and the relief and pride of a food science presentation.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? I enjoy the daily interactions with students as they explore careers they may be interested in for their future.
Why is it important for students to learn about food and farming? Students don’t know what career opportunities are available unless they are exposed to them, so we need to advocate for the agriculture industry.
Share one memorable teaching story. Every time a student succeeds – it’s a memory. For some that’s finding a job right out of high school, for others it’s becoming a veterinarian, while others it’s a state FFA office. They are all important memories to me.
How do you inspire your students? I hope to lead by example with my passion for agriculture and education.
Personal:
Hometown: Genoa
Family: Husband Eric, daughter Savannah (4), and son Landon (2)
College/Degree(s): Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Illinois
What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an ag teacher after being inspired by my own ag teacher in high school.
Favorites:
Quote: “Leadership is influence.” John Maxwell
Hobbies: Chasing toddlers
Book: “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
Travel destination: Any and all beaches!