By Darwin Cooper

Because of COVID-19 many school districts lost teachers and it has been a difficult process finding people to take their place; one such position was the Dolores High School agriculture, AG, teacher. Rylee Kiddoo, who had been subbing, filled the position. Mrs. Kiddoo subbed in the district for two previous years before taking the position.

This was not her first experience in education or in AG.

“I taught nutrition at the college level for 16 years. That is quite helpful. In addition, I grew up on a farm and my family still farms in Kansas (15,000 acres of corn and wheat along with grazing cattle some years on winter wheat.)”, stated Mrs. Kiddoo.

When asked about her education she replied

“I have a bachelor's degree in criminology and certifications in nutrition and personal training. I have several master's classes, however, I have not combined those for a degree at this time. I actually enjoy taking master classes in areas of interest from universities all over the world. I'm more interested in the knowledge than the degrees at this time in my life.”

She has plans to keep the AG program on track, remarking,

“At this point, I'm really trying to keep the FFA program a float until a more experienced educator fills this spot. In the meantime, I hope to give my students a great overview of all the different areas in AG.”

When asked about her concerns she commented, “I will do my best to provide a well rounded Ag education for my students, however, I would love to see an experienced FFA/AG teacher in this position. We have a high percentage of students that would benefit with a strong FFA/AG program and even one to expand the program since we do live in an agricultural area.”

Kiddoo also noted, “I hope to have field trips and offer opportunities for independent study projects.”

Despite being an interim teacher Mrs. Kiddoo hopes to keep AG on course and positively influence the program's future.