This new teacher takes a student’s view

By Josh Grimes (Agricultural Education ’22)

Walking back into a building I left five years ago – as a teacher instead of a student — is surreal. Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences is where I first learned and understood the meaning of agriculture and the ranges it has in our lives.

Viewing the school from a teaching perspective is something I was always curious about as a student. Comparing the curriculum from then and now is totally different. As a new educator in this position, I made it my goal to remember how I felt in these seats. Keeping students engaged with material and to connect agriculture to their everyday lives is a very important part for this class.

I have learned and absorbed an abundance of knowledge, tips, tricks and advice working with my colleague Julie Reynolds. Being in the classroom with someone who has much more experience was somewhat nerve wracking at first, but looking back I wouldn’t have had it any other way. When the two of us are in the classroom together, we bounce ideas and comments off each other all the time to get our students engaged with the material being presented. She has allowed me to create my own environment in her space, while still letting me figure out my own teaching style and classroom management.