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Cultivating Classrooms: Insights from Ag Educators
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Cultivating Classrooms: Insights from Ag Educators

Author: Emma Huber and Sammy Jurczykowski

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Welcome to "Cultivating Classrooms: Insights from Ag Educators," with Emma Huber and Sammy Jurczykowski. The podcast where we delve into the rich and diverse world of agricultural education. In each episode, we'll be joined by experienced educators, industry experts, and thought leaders who are sowing the seeds of knowledge in classrooms across America.
44 Episodes
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This episode of Cultivating Classrooms features Mishicot ag teachers Jamie Propson and Katie Koeppel who share their experiences teaching floriculture and running a thriving floral design business alongside their program. They share how classroom lessons can connect to real-world applications, the skills students gain through their hands-on floral work, and the unique opportunities that come with running a floral business. Check out this episode for helpful tips to managing floriculture in your program. More Questions? Email jpropson@mishicot.k12.wi.us or kkoeppel@mishicot.k12.wi.us Additional Resources:Hands on Horticulture - Floral Design WAAE PresentationMishicot FFA Floral Design Website
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with ag teachers, Crystal Retzlaff and Kimberly Yohn,  to talk about educator effectiveness and what it looks like in their districts. They share how they create meaningful SLOs for all students, develop PPGs that reflect both growth and the unique nature of ag education, and use professional development to strengthen their teaching. From navigating challenges to offering advice for new teachers, this conversation highlights practical strategies for using educator effectiveness tools to improve instruction and student success.More Questions? Email cretzlaf@newlondon.k12.wi.us or kimberly.yohn@huhs.org 
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with ag teachers, Beth Babcock and Kathryn Lampi,  about how they teach meat processing in their programs. They share what their courses look like, the partnerships and resources that support their work, and the steps they take to keep students safe in the lab. From connecting lessons to CDEs to offering advice for teachers interested in starting a program, this conversation provides practical insights into bringing meat processing into ag education. More Questions? Email bbabcock@maustonschools.org or kalampi@rosholt.k12.wi.us 
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we welcome Ag Teacher, Walter Taylor, from Oconto Falls High School as he shares about the rewards and challenges of teaching with and managing a school greenhouse. Wally provides insight on how he incorporates greenhouse management and work into his curriculum, keeps students engaged with hands-on learning, and handles the day-to-day operations of running a successful greenhouse program. Whether you are looking to build a school greenhouse or just improve the one you have, this episode offers practical tips and inspiration from the field.More Questions? Email walter.taylor@of-ps.org
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with ag teachers Kelly Hubert and Cierra Essock to talk about teaching dairy science in the classroom and beyond. They share how they bring the dairy industry to life for students through hands-on labs, real-world experiences, and creative lessons. This episode provides awesome insight to help you teach dairy science in your program as well as offers great resources for prepping a dairy Career Development Event team. More Questions? Email cessock@cambridge.k12.wi.us or khubert@turtlelake.k12.wi.us Additional Resources: Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Virginia Tech 4-H Quizbowl
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, have a thoughtful discussion with Sun Prairie ag teachers, and DEI Committee Chairs, Krist Kvalheim & Josh Capadarco. They share with us how they promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their classrooms, FFA’s and ag programs. They share personal experiences, intentional practices, and strategies for creating welcoming environments and providing SAE opportunities for all students regardless of their background. If you are looking to deepen your efforts on fostering a more inclusive program, this episode explores what meaningful, lasting DEI work looks like in agricultural education today.More Questions? Email jhcapod@sunprairieschools.org or kdkvalh@sunprairieschools.org
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview CASE-certified ag teacher, Kayla Loewenhagen, to dive into the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) model. She shares her experience with the certification process, how CASE has transformed her teaching, and the benefits it brings to her students through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Whether you're curious about becoming CASE-certified or just looking to enhance your ag curriculum, this episode offers valuable insights.Check out https://www.case4learning.org/ for more info.
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with Sauk Prairie Ag Teacher, Troy Talford, to discuss the importance of extended contracts and how to effectively advocate for them. He shares how having extra days supports his program growth, student success, and community engagement, along with strategies for presenting the need to school boards and admin. Whether you're considering an extended contract or looking to make the most of one, this episode offers helpful tips and firsthand experience.SAE Visit Documentation
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms we sit down with the new Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE) Executive Director, Mary Handrich. Mary shares her goals, upcoming initiatives and plans to support and strengthen agricultural education across the state. Tune in to hear how she plans to advocate for ag teachers, expand opportunities, and lead the organization with fresh ideas. More Questions? Email Mary at executivedirector@waae.com
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with the Coordinator for WI Ag in the Classroom, Beth Schaefer, and one of the program’s passionate ambassadors, Travis Sprague, to discuss how they’re bringing agricultural literacy to students across the state. They share what WI Ag in the Classroom has to offer including engaging classroom resources, outreach strategies, and success stories from the field. Whether you're an ag teacher looking to integrate more strategies and activities into your curriculum or simply passionate about ag education, this episode offers inspiration and practical tools to help connect our students with the world of agriculture.Check out Ag in the Classrooms Website! https://www.wisagclassroom.org/ Follow them on Social Media! @WIAgintheClassroom More Questions? Email Beth bschaefer@wfbf.com at or Travis at tesprag@sunprairieschools.org
Tune into this episode to hear a whole hearted discussion on the topic of maternity leave and long term sub planning, which Emma and Sammy recently got to experience first hand, both welcoming their first babies! Cultivating Classrooms welcomes Abbey Meffert, Alyssa Engel, & Hanna Mielke, three Wisconsin ag teachers who are familiar with planning for maternity or long term leaves. Listen to first hand experiences on obtaining subs, finding and creating resources, balancing school and life, and overall just great, supportive insight on navigating this situation. More Questions? Email Abbey at ameffert@deforestschools.org, Alyssa at aengel@deforestschools.org, Hanna at hanna.mielke@ngsd.k12.wi.us or reach out to Emma or Sammy.
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview National FFA Proficiency Award winner Jack Schuster of the Marshall FFA Chapter and his FFA advisor, Ms. Paula Bakken to learn about the hard work and dedication behind his achievement. They share insights into Jack’s winning project in Ag Sales, the challenges he overcame, and the role of mentorship in their success. Tune in to an inspiring story about Jack’s work at his local Ace Hardware Store and hear all about how to inspire a student to achieve an award winning proficiency!More Questions? Email Paula at pbakken@marshallschools.org 
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, We chat with Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, Beth Schaefer, about the art of grant writing. From finding the right grant opportunities to crafting compelling applications, she shares expert tips and strategies for securing funding to enhance your agricultural education programs. Whether you are a teacher, advisor, or program leader, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you turn your ideas into funded projects. Links: Ag in the Classroom Grant Webinar  Environmental Education GrantsMore Questions? Email Beth at bschaefer@wfbf.com
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Tari Costello, retired ag teacher and now Executive Director of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters as she shares her wealth of experience in training and managing FFA officer teams. From building strong leadership skills to fostering teamwork and accountability, Tari offers practical advice and time-tested strategies for guiding officers to success. Whether you’re a new advisor or a seasoned one looking for fresh insights, this episode is full of valuable tips to help your officer team thrive! Also, don’t forget to check out the variety of officer training materials in the folder found in the WAAE Drive (Linked below). FFA Officer Retreat MaterialsMore Questions? Email tcostello@wisconsinffaalumni.org
Join us for this episode of Cultivating Classrooms as we sit down with administrators from Emma’s stomping grounds of Portage School District. Middle School Principal, Kasey Podoll, and School Superintendent Josh Sween, provide us with practical knowledge about how to get hired as an ag teacher. They share insights into the hiring process, tips for showcasing your passion, and what they look for in interviews. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced teacher looking for a new opportunity, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you land your next role in agricultural education!
Tune into this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, as we talk with Kim Forrester from iCEV and Cheryl Zimmerman from State FFA about what it takes to prepare an FFA member for the role of being a state FFA officer. They share insights into the selection process, tips for developing leadership skills, and advice for guiding candidates through interviews, speeches, and other requirements. Whether you're an advisor, mentor, or aspiring state officer, this episode provides valuable guidance for navigating the path to state-level leadership!State FFA Officer Candidate Resources - Check out the State Officer Candidate Academy!More Questions? Email kimberly.dehn@cevmultimedia.com or czimmerman@wisconsinffa.org
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview CESA 5 representatives Kayla Darr and Stephanie DeVries to explore the opportunities available through Youth Apprenticeship programs for high school agriculture students. Learn how these programs connect students with real-world experiences, develop their skills, and prepare them for careers in agriculture. Whether you're an educator, student, or industry partner, this episode offers valuable insights into making Youth Apprenticeship a success in your community!More Questions? Email darrk@cesa5.org or devriess@cesa5.org. You can also reach out to your local CESA representative or the Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator in your district.
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview National FFA Proficiency Award winner and “Super Farmer” Kaleb Ellis from Cochrane - Fountain City and his FFA advisor, Ms. Chris Jumbeck to learn about the hard work and dedication behind his achievement. They share insights into Kaleb’s winning project in Diversified Agriculture, the challenges he overcame, and the role of mentorship in their success. Whether you're an FFA member striving for excellence or an advisor guiding students to reach their potential, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice for achieving big goals in FFA! More Questions? Email Chris at jumbeckch@alma.k12.wi.us
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Mary Schrieber, National FFA Officer and former Wisconsin State FFA Officer to hear about her journey, experiences, and insights from serving in this prestigious leadership role. She shares stories from the road, lessons learned while representing FFA on a national level, and advice for aspiring leaders. Whether you're an FFA member, advisor, or supporter, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the life of a National FFA Officer and Mary’s vision for the future of agricultural education. Follow Mary’s National FFA Officer Journey on her social media! Facebook @National FFA Central Region Vice President and Instagram @mary.schrieber
Join us for this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, where we dive into the fascinating world of food science with an experienced ag teacher, Amanda Seichter who brings this subject to life in the classroom. Amanda shares with us insight on engaging lab activities to real-world applications, and shares her favorite lessons, teaching strategies, and tips for sparking students’ interest in food science. Whether you’re already teaching a food science course or looking to incorporate it into your curriculum, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical ideas! More Questions? Email Amanda at seicam@pasdwi.org
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