My name is Nikki Flaaen and I am the Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School. I grew up on a small hobby farm just outside of Faribault, MN. Our family raised a variety of animals, including beef, poultry, and sheep. My dad had a passion for draft horses, and even used them for the field work as well. I attended Medford Public Schools and was very involved in FFA and other school activities. During my time in FFA, I was able to participate in many activities. I was an officer, competed in the Poultry CDE, and also had 2 SAE projects - sheep production entrepreneurship and Agriculture Education placement. 

I attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for both my bachelor's and master's degrees in Agricultural Education. My teaching career started in 2011, when I got my first teaching job in Lake City, MN. This will be year 15 in the classroom, and I am truly grateful to be teaching in Zumbrota and am very thankful to the school and community for their support. I can't wait to see what the future holds for my time here.

While my passion is agriculture education, outside of school, I have many different hobbies. I am the mom to a spunky and fiery 2-year-old named Garrett, and loving every moment. Watching him learn and grow is one of my favorite things to do.  My husband and I enjoy attending Minnesota Twins games and the occasional round of golf. We also love gardening and tending to our small backyard flock of chickens.  When we have time, we love to go up to the lake and hang out on our pontoon. 

My classroom door is open to all and I encourage you to stop by and visit. If you see me out and about in the community, don't be afraid to say hi! Thanks for reading!