The Impact of An Ag Teacher
Dr. Kathryn Teixeira
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Lead Faculty Advisor, UC Davis
If I were to ask you to think back to your best memories from high school, most FFA alumni would think about their time
wearing the blue corduroy jacket. From Greenhand Leadership Conference to National FFA Convention, and from afterschool CDE practices to early Saturday morning van rides, students who don the blue corduroy jacket often spend more time with their agriculture teachers than any other teacher throughout their high school career. For many FFA alumni, those hours spent alongside our agriculture teachers helped shape us into who we are today.
I was lucky enough to have my own FFA jacket. It was gifted to me by my grandparents for Christmas during my freshman year of high school. Today it hangs alongside my dad’s FFA jacket in my closet as a reminder of the best memories from my high school career. If you were lucky enough to have your own FFA jacket, you may find yourself, like I do, occasionally pulling it out from the depths of your closet just to make sure it still fits. When I zip myself back into my jacket (yes, it still fits), I am reminded of the hundreds of hours preparing for the FFA Creed and Prepared Public Speaking, and the thousands of miles traveled on the road to a national championship in Light Horse Judging.
All these experiences would not have been possible had it not been for the amazing agriculture teachers who poured into me and my peers. Many teachers are part of a student’s life for a year or two when that student takes their class, but the impact of their agriculture teacher often lasts far longer. Even now, as a college professor, one of my favorite moments each year is running into my former ag teacher, Mr. Steve DeRose, at the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association conference. As a freshman in his ag science class, I never would have imagined that I’d one day step into teaching school-based agricultural education myself. Yet after 15 years in the profession, it’s an honor to continue his legacy through my own teaching.
Late last year, I received the Eleanor and Harry Walker Advising Award, an honor nominated by my students. As I thought about the award and what it meant to me, I knew I would not be where I am today without my own FFA advisors. Mr. DeRose, who coached me in Creed and Prepared Public Speaking; Ms. Beechinor, who pushed me to memorize all of Opening and Closing Ceremonies; Mr. Agalos, who coached me in Light Horse Judging; and Mr. Beard, who taught me how to be a better leader while remembering to have fun along the way.
Later, at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, I was lucky enough to have former FFA advisors as college professors who continued to shape my life and career. Dr. Kellogg reminded me of the importance of making time for myself and my family. Dr. Flores and Dr. Vernon expanded my views of leadership and what it means to have a servant heart. Dr. DeLay and Dr. Warner inspired me to pursue higher education and showed me that there is a place for women in agricultural education. Mr. Cummings and Mr. Shuklian helped me find purpose in my educational journey.
But the greatest impact of all came from Mr. Gerald Clark. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without his belief in my potential to become an agriculture teacher and his steady guidance navigating the world of student teaching. His ability to inspire others to be more and do more is the reason I am in the position I am today.
I would like to close by saying you never know the impact a teacher can have on any one student. As Dr. Joe Sabol used to share, you can easily count the number of seeds inside an apple, but you will never know the number of apples that come from those seeds. As we enter the holiday season, I hope you will take time to reflect on the lasting impact your agriculture teacher had on your life and consider how you might pay it forward by supporting your local FFA chapter by participating in a fundraiser, volunteering to help with career or leadership development teams, or even exploring a future career in ag education. Take a moment to reach out and thank your ag teacher for the time and energy they poured into you.
Teaching has never been a profession chosen for its income. We teach because we care, and often because someone once cared enough to invest in us. The miles we traveled and the hours we spent wearing the blue jacket are only a fraction of the time and dedication our teachers poured into us. Their influence continues to shape who we are, and it’s up to us to continue that work for the next generation.
