By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Early mornings. Late nights. And sometimes many miles in between. It’s a glimpse into the life of agricultural science teachers.
They spend their days teaching in the classroom or the shop. After school hours are filled with helping FFA members with projects, traveling to various FFA contests or livestock shows and developing engaging lesson plans.
It can be a lot to manage, but many teachers in Texas have accepted that challenging workload, including Tammy Christian.
“Every day is different. I’m not always in the classroom,” Christian, the only agricultural science teacher at Penelope High School, said. “I enjoy taking my students to places they’ve never been before. I enjoy teaching them concepts that are new and challenging.”
Her classes include principles of agriculture, livestock production, advanced animal science, veterinary medicine application and floral design.
“Each day and each class is different. Each student learns differently, too,” Christian said.
She has 53 students enrolled in her classes.
Christian has been teaching agricultural science for 30 years. She’s seen changes in the programs and FFA contests over the years.
“It’s a demanding, but fulfilling, career,” she said.
And she hopes many students will be inspired by their agricultural teachers today and in the future and just maybe pursue the same career.
“We have a shortage of ag teachers. It’s not just a Texas problem. It’s a nationwide problem,” she said. “Schools are adding agricultural programs in seventh and eighth grade, and that’s creating a demand for more teachers. It’s an exciting time to be in agricultural education right now.”
National FFA membership set a record with 700,170 students. The top six membership states are Texas, California, Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio and Missouri.
Christian’s advice to those who want to pursue a career as an agricultural teacher is simple.
“Don’t be afraid to jump into something that you’ve never done before, even if it’s not your primary area of expertise. Learn with the kids. Don’t let it hold you back, and be willing to go with the flow,” she said.
It’s good general advice for life, too, Christian noted.
“In high school, I was involved in a lot of activities, but I lacked some self-confidence,” Christian said. “The FFA program did for me what it does for so many students. It gave me that confidence, and it got me out of my comfort zone.”
Tuesday, Sept. 19, is National Teach Ag Day. It is designed to encourage others to teach agriculture and recognize the important role that agriculture teachers play in schools and communities.
For more information on Teach Ag Day, visit www.naae.org/teachag.