Growing Knowledge of Agriculture in the Classroom
Teaching
School: Hinckley-Big Rock High School, Hinckley
Grade: High School
Subjects: Agriculture
Number of years teaching: 14
Farm Bureau/Ag Literacy connection: I teach agriculture and am the FFA Advisor. I often work with Farm Bureau’s Ag Literacy program through the Sandwich Fair petting zoo and FARM (Food and Agriculture Resources Monthly) Bags.
What is your favorite unit to teach? I love to teach the introductory unit on Agriculture-Soils.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? I like seeing students grow and develop into future leaders that are living to serve. It’s humbling to watch the impact that agricultural education/FFA has upon a student’s life.
What is something unique that you do in your classroom? Within the classroom, we use our community as an extension of our learning. You will see us identifying trees in town, planting village planters, volunteering at the food pantry, or preparing floral arrangements for an event.
Why is it important for students to learn about food and farming? It is important for students to learn about food and farming so they are educated consumers and aware of career options.
Personal
Hometown: Waterman
Family: Husband, Barrett, and children, Lillian (9) and Annabelle (6)
College/Degree(s): Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Master’s in Educational Literacy from Northern Illinois University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Aurora University
What did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian
Favorites
Quote: “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Hobbies: Creating art, being outdoors, kayaking, bicycling, running, hiking, camping. I really enjoy Shabbona Lake State Park.
Books: The “Harry Potter” series
Music: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sports team: Chicago Cubs
Travel destination: The Netherlands