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Teaching Philosophy

The Purpose of Agricultural Education

I believe the primary mission of Agricultural Education is to cultivate agriculturally literate citizens who possess a deep, systems-based understanding of the Agricultural industries. In a world where the gap between the producer and the consumer continues to grow, my classroom serves as a bridge between the two worlds. Whether a student is debating the ethics of biotechnology or calculating the environmental needs of a greenhouse, the goal is to equip them with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate and support the industry that sustains our world.

The Learning Environment

In my classroom, "Learning by Doing" is more than a slogan; it is a rigorous application of science and technology. My shop and lab are environments of applied science, where critical thinking—such as the basics of a four-stroke engine or the components of soil nutrients—is immediately tested through physical application. I utilize a student reflection-based teaching, allowing students the opportunity to troubleshoot failures, whether it is a weld that doesn’t hold or an engine that won't start. I believe that true knowledge is built through the process of observation, correction, and eventual success.

Instrustion and Students Growth

I believe in meeting every student exactly where they are while maintaining high expectations for everyone who walks into the shop. For middle schoolers and those just starting, my focus is on building confidence through experiences and moving them past simple identification to a hands-on understanding of how systems work. By giving them the space to get their hands dirty, I help turn their curiosity of Agriculture in knowledge. As students' progress into advanced high school courses, my role shifts from instructor to mentor. We move beyond basic experiences and toward building professional tendencies, holding them to the same rigors they will face in the industry. Whether in the lab or the fabrication shop, my goal is to ensure they leave my program with the technical skills and work ethic required to meet industry standards.