Tioga FFA Advisor Britta Kohn poses for the camera.
For the last three years, Britta Kohn has served as Tioga’s agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. Growing up, Kohn was homeschooled and didn’t attend any form of public school until she started college classes when she was 14; she then pursued a bachelor’s degree in animal science at Oregon State University.
When Kohn joined Tioga High School’s staff, she didn’t know what to expect, especially since she had never attended a public high school before; however, Tioga is not the average high school.
To set the scene, Tioga is a California high school with about 50 students and an average graduating class of 12 students nestled in the foothills of Yosemite National Park. Kohn grew up in the Bay Area, and from then on, always lived in a very populated area. So, the school was not only a culture shock for her, but the environment was as well. However, Kohn persevered through all of the challenges that come with mountain living and took every obstacle with her head held strong.
The Tioga FFA Chapter was established in 2020 and had quite a rough start, with no member involvement and a steady backlash from the students. When Kohn joined at the end of 2022, it made her job very difficult. However, the chapter has since become a big success, with overwhelming member involvement and support from the community. None of the chapter’s greatest accomplishments, however, would’ve happened if not for Kohn.
Kohn has built the Tioga FFA Chapter from the ground up and fostered a sense of community within the small school. Officers, members and supporters from the community have created connections that will seep into future generations. Through Kohn’s kindness, compassion and encouragement, she has improved the chapter so much that the chapter is seen as a privilege to participate in.
Through Kohn’s interactive curriculum designed to set students up for success, she guides them through hands-on learning and new experiences. “I love getting to show students why learning new things is fun,” she says. “It may be something in agriculture, something in science or getting to experience something outside of our little town. Getting to be a witness to people growing and becoming something greater is pretty cool.”
Kohn is a big advocate that FFA is for everyone, and she has proven that to not only Tioga students, but community members as well. She has shown students that FFA isn’t just about agriculture, but is so much more. By advocating this, Kohn has increased member involvement by more than 50% and has seen improvement in every one of her students.
Kohn’s improvements on the Tioga FFA Chapter are just getting started. She more planned for the upcoming years, and her impact on the program and school will always be remembered.
