Cran Career Spotlight: Agricultural Science Teacher
Overview:
Being an ag teacher isn’t just a job…
it’s a chance to inspire the next generation of farmers, scientists, and leaders in agriculture.
An Agricultural Science Teacher is responsible for educating middle and high school students about agriculture, food science, and natural resources. Through hands-on learning, classroom instruction, and leadership development, ag teachers equip students with vital skills in math, science, technology, communication, and management. In regions like Wisconsin, where specialty crops such as cranberries are a key part of the local economy, educators like Lindsay Meissner of Pittsville, WI, go above and beyond by incorporating cranberry education into their classrooms. Lindsay is known for organizing the "Splash of Red" cranberry harvest tours, where students write tour scripts and guide guests through a harvest experience. These immersive experiences help connect students to real-world careers and deepen their appreciation for local agriculture while fundraising for ag education and FFA.
What responsibilities will I have:
Conduct an instructional program that educates students about career pathways in agriculture that can be used as a guide to achieving necessary skills for continued education and employment which includes preparing materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
Enhance youth leadership and FFA as an integral part of instruction
Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions
Create lesson plans that are in conformity with school policy, for all courses offered and provide instructional materials and instructional methods used to make teaching and learning effective
Oversee Supervised Agricultural Experience programs of all students who receive instruction by assisting students in selecting a program that fits their interests and abilities; maintaining records, locating training stations, make supervisory visits during school year and during summer month
Supervise and maintain the school laboratory (farm, feeding center, greenhouse, meats laboratory, etc.) used for students supervised agricultural experience
Plan and conduct an organized program of instruction and/or community involvement with adults. This may include, but not limited to alumni, young farmers, and booster clubs. Most of this instruction will be given after school, at night and during the summer
Prepare and submit FFA rosters, entries, registrations, etc. required by the local, district, area, state, and office promptly, and keep an accurate file copy of all records and reports
Attend in area, state, and national training meetings
What education and training is required:
A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education or a closely related field, plus a state teaching license
Hands-on experience in agriculture is highly encouraged—this could include cranberry production, animal science, agronomy, or ag mechanics
Additional certifications (such as dual-credit instruction) may be beneficial
To prepare in High School:
Recommended courses include:
Agricultural education
Biology, chemistry, and environmental science
Mathematics and business
Public speaking or communication classes
Students interested in becoming ag teachers can also participate in their FFA Chapter, serve as chapter officers, or explore educational SAE projects related to local ag industries.
Where can I work:
Middle and high schools that offer agriculture or agri-science programs
Career and technical education (CTE) centers
Youth development organizations (like 4-H or ag camps)
Post-secondary agricultural education institutions as instructors or extension educators
