Why I Teach Ag: Kristen Rike
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 | Author: Texas FFA News
What ag education classes do you teach?
I teach Veterinary Medical Applications and Practicum in Agriculture.
Why do you teach ag?
I chose to teach agricultural science because agriculture education goes beyond the four walls of the classroom - it includes the shop, greenhouse, animals, FFA, and the other life lessons learned. Every day is a new day with new adventures - the feeling of satisfaction that comes with seeing a young person succeed in some way, and knowing that I played a role in that success is why I love this profession.
What is your favorite classroom memory as a teacher?
My favorite classroom memory as a teacher is the connections we make with each of our students. Having past students reach out to you as adults to tell you how they are doing, achievements they have made, or about their growing family shows how much of an impact we make on our students.
What is your favorite FFA memory?
One of my favorite FFA memories is seeing students succeed. During my first year teaching the students expressed to me they had not competed in either LDEs or CDEs. The last recorded year the chapter had participated was the 1980's. I got a group of students to train for the Milk Quality CDE and they studied and came out with a third-place district banner.
What advice would you give yourself as a first-year teacher?
The advice I would give myself as a first-year teacher, or any first-year teacher, is to take everything one day at a time. This job is so demanding on you as an individual and your family, take time to take care of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself.
Why do you believe that ag education is so important?
Agricultural education allows the youth, as well as the community they live in, to be impacted by the many opportunities they are introduced to. Students in agriculture courses gain soft skills, leadership abilities, and career-related skills that can be an asset regardless of the career pathway they choose.
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