A career as an agricultural educator is more than just a job, it’s a meaningful career in which you can help today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders. 

Ohio is home to more than 500 agricultural educators. Though this career can be demanding, it is always rewarding! Below, meet a few of the individuals who work each day to educate, motivate and inspire students.

Why did you choose to teach ag?
I had a great experience in high school agriculture education class and the FFA.  I love agriculture and young people and thought that it would be a good match for me.

What is your favorite part about being an ag educator?
The best part of this job is when I run into former students after they have graduated, and they fill me in on what they are doing and their families.  I really enjoy hearing about what they remember from being involved in ag and their favorite memories.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming an ag educator?
If you are thinking about being an ag teacher, go find non-classroom experience.  Go work for an ag business for a summer. Intern at a large greenhouse or farm. Get industry experience so you can help share the story of agriculture and all the opportunities that it has to offer.

---

Why did you choose to teach ag?
I chose to teach ag because of the impact that agriculture has had on my life and skills I learned in and out of the classroom. I knew I wanted to teach ag because my ag teacher and FFA experience taught me just as much about myself and my community as it did leadership and agriculture. I found a new confidence in myself and my abilities through agricultural education, and I want to provide my students with the same opportunities to build those skills and find their passion.

What is your favorite part about being an ag educator?
My favorite part about being an ag educator is my students. Every day is a new adventure and because of the diverse backgrounds of my students, my horizons are broadened just as much as theirs. We grow together to become better leaders and people in our community.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming an ag educator?
Just be yourself. Be true and authentic and you’ll set yourself up for a strong career that will reach many students’ lives.

---

Why did you choose to teach ag?
Like many others, I can attribute the initial idea about becoming an ag teacher to a seed planted in my mind by my high school ag teacher. Following my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to travel on a service-learning trip to Honduras with other FFA members. There, I met who would become my academic advisor at Ohio State and witnessed first-hand the direct impact that teaching agricultural production practices can have on individuals and communities.

What is your favorite class to teach? Why?
My favorite class to teach is probably the most basic: AFNR. This has been the only class that I’ve been able to teach every year so far, so it’s most comfortable for me. Although I’ve never taught it the same way or in the same order, I enjoy the variety of topics that we get to cover. Plus, I get to teach about the National FFA Organization!

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming an ag educator?
Bend, don’t break. When the job gets overwhelming, remember to stay flexible, remember the big picture, and then reach out to your fellow ag teachers.

---

Why did you choose to teach ag?
I chose to teach because I had an awesome ag teacher in high school who ignited a passion in me to teach ag! I participated in numerous Career Development Events to try to get a feel of what career I would want to go into and loved them all. I couldn’t pick just one topic, so I decided I’d love to teach them all! 

What is your favorite topic to teach? Why?
I love teaching natural resources! I teach in a school district that is adjacent to Lake Erie and there are a lot of applicable topics. I love seeing students connect what they are learning in the classroom to their own communities and experiences. 

What would you share with someone who is thinking about becoming an ag educator?
I would tell them how rewarding yet challenging it is! I never teach the same way twice; each class is different and each year brings a different experience.

---

Why did you choose to teach ag?
I chose to teach ag in hopes of making a difference in my students’ lives and to prepare them for success after high school. Additionally, I am passionate about teaching youth where their food and clothes come from.

What is your favorite part about being an ag educator?
My favorite part of being an ag educator is that no two days are the same! Each day in an agricultural classroom brings something different.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming an ag educator?
Take advantage of experiences that you are uncomfortable with. That is where you will learn the most. If animal science is your thing, maybe take an extra horticulture class!