I have always said there is only one thing that can bring our nation down - our dependence on foreign countries for food and energy. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy.-John Salazar
Welcome to my class! Here, you will learn many things that can sustain you for life, whether it be working with plants to business management. Agriculture is a very important part of our history and in order to keep it thriving, you are the future of agriculture. This does not mean that one has to go out and obtain higher education in an "agricultural" field, but rather hold the ability to advocate for the environment around you as an understanding individual. My goals for you are to leave you with more understanding of the natural world around you than what you entered my classroom with, promote independence and responsibilities as well as provide opportunities for every student to participate in activities that bring educational lessons to life! I am always available for questions before and after school. Please do not hesitate to approach me!
A Little About Me!
My love for agriculture, especially animals and plants, stems from my grandparents. They lived on a farm in northern Illinois and when it was a functional busniess, housed dairy cattle. They had been retired by the time I was born, but they taught me to enjoy the simplicity of nature and the things around me. That is what made me decide to participate in agricultural education and FFA during my own high school career at Sycamore High School in Sycamore, Illinois. For three years I was the FFA Historian and had a big job of creating a banquet for all alumni and current members to celebrate our 50th anniversary. I attended college at Illinois State University and graduated in 2008 with a degree in Agricultural Education and English Education. After one year of teaching, I decided to go back to college to obtain a masters in Special Education, which I am nearing the end of! (My reasoning behind this decision was because I noticed that many students who entered in my classroom had exceptional needs, both gifted and with disabilities, and I had no knowledge of how to reach them and help them succeed.) I live with my husband, Eric, and our five cats, (from left on picture) Wiggles, Lovie, Bear, Casper and Jynx. They keep our life busy! And if I ever say the cat ate your homework, they honestly ate your homework! (I'm just playing, they are well behaved!)