What ag education classes do you teach?
Floral Design
Advanced Plant and Soil Science
Horticulture Science
Why do you teach ag?
I come from a farming and ranching background, so I've always been around agriculture. I think it’s vital to everyone's existence and it's important to inform everyone about where things come from.
What is your favorite classroom memory?
I have been sent messages many times from past students regarding how the things I taught them became useful in their lives. Knowing I made this impact gives me great joy and makes me want to continue teaching.
What is your favorite FFA memory?
One year my public relations LDE team advanced to the state contest and it snowed in Huntsville. Being from south Texas, snow isn't something we get to see very often. We loved the chance to compete at the state level and getting to play in the snow after our competition.
What advice would you give yourself as a first-year teacher?
Being an effective teacher isn't easy, and if it is, you're either doing it wrong or are mistaken about being effective. It takes more hard work and dedication than you can imagine. It doesn't get easier as time goes on, you just learn how to balance it all.
Why do you believe that ag education is so important?
Not only do I feel as though ag education is important because of the curriculum taught, but I also strongly believe that each student can find a place that fits them. Everyone needs to know where their food and clothing comes from, but they also need basic skills to maintain equipment in their homes, keep a pet healthy, or communicate with one another in a work environment. Ag classes teach all of these vital skills that everyone needs to be successful in life.
Do you have advice on balancing work/home life?
Take care of yourself and your loved ones first. If you are worried about those things you can never fully focus on the job at hand. I also am very fortunate to work at a district that allows me to include my family in our events. My family is welcomed at meetings and functions and are appreciated by my students and their families.