DeWitt Central FFA member Caden Bernauer teaches middle school agriculture students about succulents.
For most students, school is a chore. But for Caden Bernauer, it’s a field where he’s growing his passion for agricultural education. The Central DeWitt High School junior is turning his passion for agriculture into a life-changing experience through his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in agricultural education.
Sown With Purpose, Grown With Passion
When a long-term sub was needed to teach agriculture classes at Central DeWitt High School, the then-freshman Bernauer stepped up to help.
“Throughout my freshman year, I helped our long-term as much as possible and realized that being on the other side of the classroom was a passion of mine,” says Bernauer. “While sophomore year was mostly sporadic coverage, junior year I began teaching a class full time for our agricultural education program.”
This experience served as a stepping stone for Bernauer, who decided to turn his passion into an SAE project. As Bernauer gained experience working with agriculture teacher Amy Grantz, he began to curate and teach lessons. Now, Bernauer is teaching a class of middle school students his own lessons.
Bernauer’s decision to focus in agricultural education was natural. “[It] seemed interesting when I started high school, but through my SAE, I’ve realized it’s definitely the career for me,” he adds.
When asked what his favorite part of his SAE was, Bernauer said he loves connecting with students and sharing his passion for agriculture. “Teaching middle school ag classes has been incredibly rewarding because I get to see students engage with the material, ask questions and discover their own interests in agriculture,” he adds.
Bernauer also enjoys helping younger students get involved in the DeWitt Central FFA Chapter. Apart from teaching his students about FFA in the classroom, he has volunteered to coach a team of students in the Iowa FFA Agricultural Impact Leadership Development Event. He hopes that, like him, these students will find a passion for agriculture through their involvement in FFA.
Growing Students, No Green Thumb Required
Through his SAE, Bernauer has been presented with many great opportunities, including hands-on experience in education and learning from multiple educators throughout eastern Iowa. “I’ve been able to shadow multiple local ag teachers and departments and learn unique teaching styles, then bring new ideas back to our chapter,” he adds.
These hands-on learning opportunities prepared Bernauer for a future career as an agriculture teacher, and he has developed skills that can only be taught through experience. “By developing curriculum, teaching lessons and managing classroom operations, I’m learning practical teaching strategies and gaining real-world skills in lesson planning, public speaking and classroom management,” he adds.
When asked for advice about how to choose an SAE, Bernauer said, “Focus on something you’re passionate about that also aligns with your future goals. Don’t be afraid to start small or explore different options to find what truly excites you.”
Through his dedication to agricultural education, Bernauer is cultivating a future full of possibilities for himself and his students.
