Growing Our Future: Texas Agricultural Science Education Magazine

AN EARLY CAREER PERSPECTIVE

AN AGRICULTURE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS MENTOR PROGRAM INTERVIEW

MENTEE: MICHAEL HANSON, GORDON HIGH SCHOOL AGRICULTURE SCIENCE TEACHER MENTOR: MIKE JACKSON, RETIRED HIGH SCHOOL AGRICULTURE SCIENCE TEACHER

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TEACH AG?

I knew that I always wanted to be an educator. When I was little, I wanted to be a coach. Once I got into high school and took my first agriculture class, my outlook on my future changed. I was so impressed with the practical lessons that we were learning in agriculture and FFA. Lessons that not only apply to any agriculture job but to any walk of life. Having traveled across the country and this great state through Bellevue FFA, I knew that I wanted to have future generations learn the key principles of agriculture and have positive experiences as I did. The only way to ensure that would happen would be to teach ag myself.

LESSONS THAT NOT ONLY APPLY TO ANY AGRICULTURE JOB BUT TO ANY WALK OF LIFE.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE AG EDUCATION IS SO IMPORTANT?

Anytime that I hear this question, I am reminded of a quote, “without agriculture tomorrow doesn’t happen.” Not only does that apply to the work of production agriculture but to the advocacy of agriculture. Not everyone that walks into my classroom is going to become a direct producer, but if they walk out of my classroom realizing the importance that agriculture has to them, their family, community, state, country, and the world, then at least they will have a greater and closer appreciation for where their food comes from. The great thing about ag education is that our lessons go beyond the four walls of the classroom. The lessons that we are teaching will carry with our students for the rest of their lives.