Testimonials

Click on a name from the list below to open a new testimonial from an Ag teacher.
If you have a testimonial to share, please e-mail Mindy Bunselmeyer.

Kim Portz - Marissa HS

“I chose to teach agriculture because I love working with today’s youth
– it keeps me feeling young!  I truly enjoy seeing my students grow as they go through my program and excel in different areas. I truly enjoy my career because it’s always fun and different; Ag teachers never have a boring day! I wake up in the morning and I can’t wait to get to school.”

. . Kim Portz
. . Marissa High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Mark Steber - East Richland HS

“My career goal was to either work with young people or in the agriculture industry.  Teaching agriculture education gave me the opportunity to do both!   Most days I have so much fun I can't believe that we get paid to do our so called job.”

. . Mark Steber
. . East Richland High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Miles Allen - Illini Central HS

"I got into teaching agriculture because of the my passion to see students achieve their goals in agriculture education. There is no greater award for a teacher than to see students succeed and reach their goals."

. . Miles Allen
. . Illini Central High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Kevin Price - Milford HS

"I became a teacher thanks to the influence of a Professor at Western Illinois University. He simply gave me the confidence to pursue the career. I had always believed I would have a good connection with high school students. Once I finished student teaching, I was hooked. One of the best parts of teaching is watching my students succeed in the learning process. Whether it is an award at a CDE, or just watching a student “get it” while their in class.”

. . Kevin Price
. . Milford High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Ryan Wildman - Mattoon HS

“I became an ag teacher primarily for my love of agriculture, but also due to the effect that Agriculture Education and FFA made on my life. As a student, I saw and experienced the tremendous impact that my agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor had on me and my ability to work with others and become a leader. This career is always changing. I don't just go to a desk and do the exact same thing each day- every day is a new challenge with new opportunities.”

. . Ryan Wildman
. . Mattoon High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Heather Obert - Dakota HS

“I stayed at the University of IL for another year to get my master’s degree in Ag Ed.
I’ve always thought everything happens for a reason and it did - this was the best decision of my life. I’m involved in a career where I get to utilize my passion for agriculture while motivating and impacting young people’s lives. It’s an incredibly rewarding feeling and I’m so lucky I ended up here.”

. . Heather Obert
. . Dakota High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Alison McGrew - Avon HS

“I decided to pursue a career as an agricultural educator because I wanted to be able to teach others about what I love – agriculture. I also wanted to make a positive impact in the lives of students.”

. . Alison McGrew
. . Avon High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Diana Loschen - Tri-Point HS

“I became an agriculture teacher because it gave me an opportunity to combine two things I had been raised with--agriculture and education. I am a third generation teacher and I had a blast in FFA when I was a student. This seemed like the perfect blend of things that I cared about. Twenty one years later--I still think it is. I also like that there are NEVER two days that are the same and it gives me the chance to work closely with some incredible young people.” 

. . Diana Loschen
. . Tri-Point High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Matt Nordstrom - Olympia HS

“What I like most about the profession is being able to make a positive difference in the lives of students while promoting agriculture.  I feel that I am not only educating students but giving them life skills that they will be able to use forever.”

. . Matt Nordstrom
. . Olympia High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Jenn Scott- Harvard HS

“The best part about being an agriculture teacher is the combination of having students in the classroom and in FFA. We have the amazing opportunity to educate, influence, and learn from our students through many facets that regular educators don't have. The time I spend driving to and from contest and events is a bonding time and I feel that I have a better relationship with and understanding of my students as a result of this.”

. . Jenn Scott
. . Harvard High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Toni Saso - Indian Creek HS

“Teaching agriculture is was a great way to combine a love of agriculture with a passion for teaching others.
I wanted to give others an opportunity to see how FFA can change their life, while a career in agriculture is a viable option.”

. . Toni Saso
. . Indian Creek High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Doug Thurnau - Peotone HS

“I love my job, because I inflict positive change in the youth I work with. I have been teaching for seven years and I have been fortunate to see how beneficial I have been towards several of my past students. I was the catalyst for their change, and I could not ask for a better way of life.”

. . Doug Thurnau
. . Peotone High School
. . Agricultural Teacher

Darin E. Blunier - Midland HS

“I chose a career in Agriculture Education because of the influence my high school and college advisors had on me.
  I had no idea that I would enjoy teenagers as much as I do.  I am always ready to go to work and enjoy teaching every day.  The success that I see in every student provides great satisfaction.”

. . Darin E. Blunier
. . Midland High School
. . Agriculture Teacher
Jay Solomonson - Orion HS

“I chose to become an agricultural education  teacher because I enjoy working with students and I know that I can make a positive difference in my students' lives. I enjoy teaching everyday because I get to see my students succeed and strive to reach their full potential.  I get to work with students and adults who are enthusiastic and passionate about the agricultural industry, agricultural education, and the FFA." 

. . Jay Solomonson
. . Orion High School
. . Agriculture Teacher

Jeffery A. Wood - ISU

“Teaching agriculture was an extremely rewarding career. The deeper I got into my career, the more I loved it. It gave me a chance to share my knowledge with others in a creative and effective way. I continued my career at the college level because I felt the need to broaden my influence through teaching agriculture there. As a university faculty member in agriculture, I have been given opportunities I could have never dreamt possible.”

Jeffrey A. Wood
Professor and Dean of Applied Science & Technology
Illinois State University

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