I can trace my passion for agricultural education back to growing up north of Stapleton, Nebraska, on a cow-calf operation where hard work wasn’t optional — it was just part of everyday life. Early mornings, long days, and learning to solve problems on the fly shaped my work ethic and my perspective on education. These experiences taught me that success doesn’t come all at once, but through consistency, effort, and learning from challenges. As R. Collier said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated.” That mindset guides both my teaching philosophy and the program I hope to build.
I believe agricultural education should put students first by creating a safe, supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions, trying new things, and learning from mistakes. I want my classroom to be a place where students understand that “everything you don’t know is something you can learn.” Learning should be hands-on, meaningful, and connected to real-world experiences. Through agricultural education, students gain practical skills, leadership abilities, and confidence that will serve them long after they leave the classroom.
Growing up with my dad alongside my twin sister taught me the importance of perseverance, independence, and teamwork. These values shape my approach to teaching and my expectations for students. I believe no student should be left behind, and every student should feel like they belong in the agricultural education program. I strive to build a unified classroom where students support one another, develop leadership skills, and learn the value of service to their school and community.
Agricultural education is more than just learning about animals or plants — it is about preparing students for life. Through classroom instruction, FFA involvement, and supervised agricultural experiences, students develop skills in communication, problem-solving, leadership, and responsibility. I believe students learn best by doing, and I will provide opportunities for hands-on learning that connects directly to real-world agriculture. Whether evaluating livestock, exploring careers, or working through challenges, students will learn to think critically and make informed decisions.
I also believe a strong agricultural education program must be connected to the community. Agriculture plays a vital role in our everyday lives, and it is important for students to understand its impact locally, nationally, and globally. Building relationships with local producers, businesses, and industry professionals will help students see the relevance of what they are learning and explore future career opportunities.
As an agricultural educator, I recognize that I serve as a role model for my students. I believe in leading by example through hard work, integrity, and a positive attitude. As Thomas Jefferson once said, “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” (YOGOWYPI: You only get out what you put in). I want my students to understand that effort matters, growth takes time, and mistakes are simply opportunities to learn. When challenges arise, I hope to instill the mindset: “When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.” I believe every win has a lesson, but so does every loss, and I want my students to recognize both as opportunities to learn, grow, and become better each day.
My passion for agricultural education comes from the opportunities agriculture has given me and my desire to share that knowledge with the next generation. Agriculture has opened so many doors in my own life, and I see teaching as a way to give back to an industry that has shaped who I am today. I am committed to showing up every day for my students, ready to support them, challenge them, and encourage them to reach their full potential. I want to be the educator who inspires students to work hard, take pride in what they do, and believe in their abilities. Agricultural education allows me to make a difference in students’ lives while helping them discover opportunities within agriculture. My goal is to inspire students every day, not just to learn about agriculture, but to grow as individuals, leaders, and future contributors to their communities and the agricultural industry.