Words from the Wise
Trent Van Leuven, Ag Instructor at Mackay High School, shares how he engages students in a diverse array of diciplines with a hands-on learning enviroment I changed my major at the University of Idaho from Ag Econ to Ag Ed after Mr. Pratt at Nezperce High School told me that I did a great job on a workshop and that I should consider teaching agriculture. I had over 700 miles to think about it and had my decision by the time I made it home for Thanksgiving. Teaching provides many fulfilling moments. In one class I had a student who never spoke outside of his home present the FFA Creed (to the astonishment of his peers) which began a cascade of speaking in public. Last year I worked on a surprise for a student as she won the Culver’s Essay competition. Each year I enjoy seeing students marvel at the size of the FFA membership in the opening session at the National FFA Convention—in which I get t...