Advice From Award-Winning Ag Teachers

Each year, educators throughout the U.S. are recognized for their hard work and dedication through the state teacher of the year awards.

Jackie Freitas, the 2024 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, and Trent Van Leuven, Idaho’s 2024 CapEd Credit Union Teacher of the Year, both received their honors after each beginning their careers in agricultural education nearly 15 years ago.

“I fell in love…and never left,” says Freitas, who’s the current Leilehua FFA advisor and spent her entire career teaching at her alma mater, Leilehua High School, on the island of Oahu. “It’s the students who keep me coming back. Whether we’re building vertical towers or learning about drone technology, they’re excited to learn, and that makes me excited to teach.”

Trent Van Leuven (far right), Mackay FFA advisor, discovered his passion for agriculture education after serving on an Idaho FFA state officer team.

Despite previous plans to major in agricultural economics, Van Leuven realized he wanted to work in agricultural education after serving as the 2003-04 Idaho FFA state reporter. He says he never imagined how rewarding his career would be.

“It was another FFA advisor who got me thinking about going into teaching. At first, I laughed it off,” says Van Leuven, who serves as the Mackay FFA advisor and helped Mackay Junior/Senior High School acquire the funding needed to build a 16-tank aquaculture lab that enables his students to raise fish in a recirculation system. “After traveling 700 miles across Idaho with my state officer team, I had a change of heart. I’m thankful for that every day.”

Encouragement for Future Educators

As Freitas reflects on her advice for the next generation of ag teachers, she emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box and giving students hands-on opportunities.

“If you’re covering an ag-related subject, you can’t just teach out of a textbook,” she says. “Take your students outside regularly. Let them get their hands dirty. If your school doesn’t have outdoor resources, take them somewhere that does. You may have to get creative, but it’s worth it – and it’s essential for their learning experience.”

Van Leuven recommends FFA advisors reach out to others for support when needed. Chances are, he says, people will be more than willing to help.

“Trust that your community members want to see a successful program,” says Van Leuven, who also currently serves as president of the Mackay Education Association and chairman of the State and Federal Lands Committee of the Idaho Farm Bureau. “When they show up for you, don’t hesitate to show your appreciation.”

Recognizing Excellence

Additional past state teacher of the year award recipients who now serve or have previously served as FFA advisors and agriculture educators include the following: