By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

For 24 years, Kelly Dial has been a teacher, impacting students’ lives in and out of the classroom.

Early in her career, she taught elementary students.

But six years ago, she followed in her father’s footsteps and became an agricultural science teacher to help students learn different trades.

“I think it makes a huge impact that some students leave with a trade that they can take into the world,” Dial said.

She teaches at Centerville ISD in Groveton. There are only 140 students in the small school, and Dial teaches about 70 of them.

She teaches animal science, wildlife and forestry, welding and equine science.

Her students are in eighth through twelfth grade, and she gets to watch them grow from year to year. She said it’s one of her favorite things about teaching.

“You get them from eighth grade and see the difference they make through twelfth grade. They come out of their comfort zone, and you get to watch them grow up,” Dial said.

Helping students learn about agriculture is also important to her.

As an ag teacher, Dial can have more intentional time with each student, helping them grow in leadership and professional skills.

Her students participate in FFA, and she coaches both career and leadership development events. Centerville ISD is a member of the High School Welding Series, so she teaches agricultural mechanics and welding all year.

“We have great kids here,” she said. “They’re the next generation of leaders.”