Have you ever wondered what inspired your favorite agricultural education teachers to choose their profession? In celebration of National Teach Ag Day, observed in September, three Teacher Ambassadors for FFA share what led them to the classroom and what keeps them coming back.
Kenneth Barbosa
Julio Victor Guzman Middle FFA in San Germán, P.R.
Kenneth Barbosa’s passion for ag education stems from a love of agriculture and the outdoors – both of which began at a young age.
Although Barbosa didn’t have the opportunity to enroll in ag classes or join an FFA chapter, he loved farming with his family and attending agricultural fairs. His appreciation for agriculture turned into a career as an agriculture instructor, a role he’s held for 11 years.
“As an agriculture teacher and an FFA advisor, I teach young people the importance of agriculture along with how to become a strong leader and a better person overall, and I couldn’t be happier to have this job,” Barbosa says. “Choosing this career path is the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Tamra Herschbach
Churchill County FFA in Fallon, Nev.
Tamra Herschbach’s journey to ag education has come full circle.
Herschbach was a member of Churchill County FFA as a student at Churchill County High School, which is where she currently teaches. During her earlier years at the school, she realized she wanted to work in ag education.
“I knew from my sophomore year of high school that I wanted to be an ag teacher and an FFA advisor,” says Herschbach, a 14-year ag instructor who previously served as the Churchill County FFA historian and vice president. “I feel passionate about helping young people understand where their food comes from, and I love sharing FFA leadership opportunities with my students. No matter where they go or what they pursue, they can take these skills with them.”
Hailey Gates
Hendersonville FFA in Hendersonville, Tenn.
Hailey Gates, one of five advisors for Hendersonville FFA, always wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until she found FFA that she knew the area in which she would specialize.
Completing her third year as an ag educator this year, Gates is proud to teach her students how agriculture impacts their lives while also passing on life lessons she learned from her former advisors.
“My FFA advisors are still my mentors today,” Gates says. “Not only did they teach me about agriculture, but they also shared the importance of kindness and the willingness to show up and work hard. I’ve never forgotten that. Every day, I do my best to impart this wisdom to my students.”
To learn more about National Teach Ag Day and the many ways you can celebrate, visit NAAE.org/TeachAg.
