STUDENTS

Agricultural Education: From Welding to Food Science and Beyond

Student Liz Russell’s Student Internship in Meridian

By Cheryl Reed-Dudley

When one of Liz Russell’s students got excited because he received a 95% on his weld bead, Liz knew she was in the right profession. Agricultural education fits her – even though instructing a group of younger students in welding made her a bit nervous at first.

Liz, as a student, taught several classes last semester at Meridian High School’s new Professional-Technical Center. About three years ago, Meridian began a Magnet Program, which busses students to their new PT Center from four area schools. The program offers specialized, hands-on courses.

“Each of my classes had about 30 students, and I taught 90-minute blocks,” said Liz. “It took time to learn how to teach such young students in the welding class. I gained a real appreciation for teachers who have that age group all day long.”

Liz thought that her students would have some knowledge about agriculture, not realizing that she was teaching in a more urban area where students don’t grow up with that basic know-how. “I needed to re-evaluate my teaching and start at square one with them. It turned out to be really interesting,” she said. “It was a really good thing because everything we did in class was all new to them, and they loved it. They were never really bored.”

Liz also taught a couple of senior level classes – one a veterinary technician course, where the students earn a certificate worth credits that will help them further their education at the college level. “We went to the equine center and the veterinary hospital, and got plenty of handson learning,” said Liz. “It opens their eyes. But sometimes when students see a surgery, they decide they don’t want to do it. It’s good that they’re learning now!”

The second senior level class Liz taught was food science, a dual credit class co-taught with University of Idaho Professor Jeff Bolscheid. “He taught part of the class and I taught some of the lab. No one here has taught that class, so it’s definitely been a challenge.”

What is the Magnet Program?

The mission of Professional-Technical Education (PTE) in the Meridian School District is to provide youth with the technical skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for successful performance in a highly effective workplace. ProfessionalTechnical (PT) Magnet Programs are high-end sequenced careertraining classes that lead to industry certifications and college credit, and feature internship experiences for students.

The welding class Liz taught really drove home why the professional technical classes are so important. “The handson really clicks with them,” she said. “They get excited about their projects, and the shop is so new and well kept that the students take a lot of pride in it and they understand how they’re expected to act there. Some kids don’t do well in a typical school setting, so these classes give them an opportunity to excel.”

Why Ag Education?

Liz grew up on a dairy farm in Emmett, Idaho, where she learned a strong work ethic and nurtured an interest in all things agriculture. She thought she might want to be a teacher, but by the time she was a senior in high school, she still wasn’t sure. When her high school agriculture teacher told her about agricultural education not long before she graduated, she knew it was the right fit for her.

She chose the University of Idaho because she knew it had a prestigious agriculture college. Also, she said, “When I was involved in FFA in high school, the state contests were in Moscow, so I had been to campus three or four times and had a chance to meet some of the professors. It was affordable, I got some scholarships, and I was still in-state, but far enough from home that I got an independent experience.”

Agricultural education is a mixed bag. Students take a broad array of classes to prepare to teach introductory courses in animal science, plant science, food science, mechanics, welding, and more.

“An ag teacher’s knowledge is a mile wide and an inch deep,” laughed Liz, who will be certified to teach grades 9-12.“We pretty much take classes from every department on campus.”

Liz has enjoyed the University of Idaho, particularly her time with Dr. Amin Ahmadzadeh, who teaches in the animal and veterinary science department. “He taught the reproduction class that I took as a freshman. I learned from him that you need to have enthusiasm and passion for your subject area. He also took the time to get to know everyone in his class – within a week he was calling everyone by their name, which was impressive given that it was a large class. He was my role model for a teacher.”

Teaching is so much work, but so rewarding,” said Liz. Since graduation, Liz has been hired to teach full time at Meridian High School.