Sara Burke (center) leads her students through creating a floral arrangement.
Sara Burke always thought she would become an animal science teacher. But the James E. Taylor FFA advisor’s plans quickly changed when she was required to student-teach a floral design class while completing an agricultural education degree.
Floral design quickly became Burke’s passion, and she’s helped grow the floral design program at James E. Taylor High School in Katy, Texas, from three to 12 classes. According to Burke, the driving factor behind this growth is the impact it can have on students and FFA members, no matter their intended paths after high school.
“Although floral may not be their end goal, it’s learning about running a business and seeing how a shop runs,” Burke adds. “They can see a side of the business industry and decide whether or not they want to continue on that path. If they go in another direction, they still have the skill sets needed for their careers.”
A James E. Taylor FFA member creates a design in class.
An Applicable Approach
To best prepare her students and members for the real world, Burke is intentional with the activities she implements in her classroom. “I want to make sure they’re seeing the same [floral designs] they see at the grocery store and realizing they’re capable of making them, too,” she says.
Burke also stays up-to-date on floral design trends and mirrors them in her classroom in a cost-effective manner. “Ultimately, when they’re finished with their designs, they’re really proud of them,” she adds.
During the 2024 Katy Independent School District Livestock Show, Burke advocated for the addition of a floral design competition to give students and FFA members an opportunity to test their skills. All participants were given access to certain materials beforehand and a one-hour time limit to create a design on their own.
“That’s truly student work,” Burke says. “That’s what our program and the floral classrooms are all about.”
James E. Taylor FFA members pose with their award-winning design.
Burke’s advice for those interested in floral design is to reach out to a local florist. “No matter how small the town, there’s almost always a florist,” she says. “There’s a need because everyone’s always going to need flowers, whether for a wedding or, sadly, a funeral.”
She also encourages her students and FFA members to look at the opportunities that come with pursuing floral design as a career. “The industry as a whole is looking for people with that passion and enthusiasm,” Burke adds. “They want to see that and hopefully pass it on to future generations.”
Go Far With Flowers
If you have a knack for designing and working with flowers, consider pursuing this interest as a part- or full-time career. Listen and learn about how 2022 American Star in Agribusiness and Colquitt County FFA Alumna Kaitlyn Hart started an award-winning floral design business named Kait’s Blossoms.
