Cultivating Classrooms: Insights from Ag Educators

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with the Wisconsin FFA Managing Director, Jen Russell, to get to know her and learn more about her new role with Wisconsin FFA. She shares important updates for advisors and members, including dates to keep on your radar, answers to frequently asked questions, and other reminders and changes happening across the state. Tune in to help you stay up to date on what’s happening with Wisconsin FFA.

More Questions? Email Jen at [email protected]

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with an ag teacher and SAE committee chair Nathaniel Nolden to discuss the upcoming changes to FFA’s SAE award system at both the state and national levels. We break down the transition from Proficiency Awards to SAE Awards, what’s changing, what teachers and students need to know, and how these updates may impact SAE development and recognition. Whether you’re an advisor trying to navigate the changes or an FFA member working toward an award, this episode provides helpful information to understand what’s ahead.

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with a group of new ag teachers to reflect on their first year in the classroom. They share what helped them stay organized, the strategies and routines that worked, the things they would do differently, and the lessons they learned along the way. From navigating the many moving parts of an ag program to finding their footing as a new teacher, this conversation offers an honest look at the first year experience and plenty of advice for those just getting started.

More Questions? Email [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we chat with Missy Goers, the new DPI AFNR Education Consultant and State FFA Advisor to learn a little more about her and welcome her into her new role at DPI. She shares updates, new initiatives, and opportunities for ag teachers, along with an inside look at how DPI and her role can support teachers, programs, and FFA chapters across the state. Make sure to check out this episode for resources, guidance, and to stay up to date on what’s happening in ag education and DPI. 

More Questions? Email Missy at [email protected] 

Find information regarding the DPI Fall Inservices for Ag Teachers Here - https://www.wisconsinaged.org/fall-dpi-inservice

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, your hosts Emma and Sammy zoomed into UW-Platteville Ag Ed Society’s 1st meeting of the new school year for a special edition of Ask an Ag Teacher. From what to expect during student teacher to how our classrooms have changed since our 1st year, we’re able to answer a handful of questions for these pre-service teachers. Whether you’re a pre-service teacher yourself or a veteran in the classroom, this episode has something for you. It might even provide some insight for what to bring up with your next student teacher. 

Want to connect with the UW-Platteville Ag Ed Society? Reach out to Izzy McReath at [email protected] or the UW-P Ag Ed Society email at [email protected]

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Erika Schade, the Community and Schools Manager from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, to learn more about the resources and opportunities they offer to ag teachers. We discuss classroom resources, educational programs, industry connections, and ways teachers can bring Wisconsin’s dairy industry into their classrooms. Whether you teach dairy science or simply want to incorporate more dairy related content into your program, this episode highlights the many ways Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin can support ag educators.

More Questions? Email [email protected] or Visit the Dairy Farmers of WI Website here! https://www.wisconsindairy.org/

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Gwen Boettcher (DeForest Area High School) and Candice Franks (Delavan-Darien School District) to explore how they teach veterinary science in their programs. They share their favorite hands-on activities, resources and classroom strategies for engaging students while preparing them for careers in animal health. Whether you're building a new vet science course or looking for fresh ideas, this episode is full of practical tips and inspiration for bringing veterinary science to life in the ag classroom.

More Questions? Email Gwen at [email protected] or Candice at [email protected] 

Feel free to check out Gwen and Candice’s materials here! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17ATQPjxea2I6pj9kjY34wmKKcW-kk1dN?usp=sharing

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with Dr. Becky Haddad, Assistant Professor of Agriculture Education at University of Nebraska-Lincoln about her idea of the “Difficult Less.” We discuss how to say “no” without necessarily losing out on opportunities and how to thoughtfully shift responsibilities to students. We explore practical ways to manage the many demands of teaching and advising while giving students more ownership and leadership opportunities. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on setting boundaries, prioritizing what matters, and finding a healthier balance between work and life.

More Questions? Email Becky at [email protected] or check out her podcast Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers!

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we are joined by ag teacher Gretchen Rozeboom to talk about using standards based grading in the classroom. Gretchen and one of our hosts, Emma Huber, share how they communicate learning targets, assess student mastery, and navigate the challenges and benefits of moving beyond the traditional points based grading system. If your school has already implemented this grading system or is looking at it as an option, this episode offers practical insight from the perspective of classroom teachers who regularly use standards based grading.

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected] 

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms we talk about all things middle school ag. Emma and Sammy are joined by middle school ag teacher, Madelyn Green. Emma and Madelyn share their best tips and tricks for teaching middle school agriculture and navigating a middle school FFA. Tune in to hear some great insight on keeping middle schoolers engaged, our favorite ways to introduce agriculture and what FFA activities have been successful in middle school FFA. Whether you teach full or part time middle school or are just looking for a way to reach those younger students, check this episode out! 

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected]