NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — During National FFA Week, attention is turning to the educators who play a critical role in shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Today marks Teacher Appreciation Day, honoring the ag-science teachers who support students both in and out of the classroom.
Across the country, ag-science teachers support more than one million members of the National FFA Organization, reinforcing the organization’s mission of developing premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.
As part of National FFA Week, members across the country are recognizing the impact of their agricultural educators and advisors. Today’s focus highlights Ag Teacher Appreciation Day, a celebration of those shaping the next generation of farmers and agribusiness leaders. Teachers often spark lifelong passions, guiding students both in and out of the classroom.
Texas is home to more than 2,500 agricultural science teachers like this year’s honoree, Tammy Glascock, many of whom dedicate countless hours to classroom instruction, career development events, supervised agricultural experiences, and FFA activities. Their work helps students build leadership skills, confidence, and real-world knowledge that extends far beyond traditional coursework.
Using TikTok to Showcase the Importance of Ag Education
These educators are often recognized for encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones — whether that means public speaking, competing in leadership contests, pursuing careers in agriculture they may not have previously considered, or even joining social media platforms like TikTok to reach kids interested in agriculture.
Cade Fiske, an agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Mission Valley High School in Kansas, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss his journey from FFA member to teacher, and how he uses modern platforms like TikTok to promote agriculture education.
In his conversation with RFD NEWS, Fiske shared how he’s built a following of more than 62,000 by showcasing the value of Ag programs, hands-on experiences like raising school chickens, and creative ways to inspire students. He also spoke about the importance of National FFA Week in shining a spotlight on agriculture education, the innovative approaches he and his students are taking to connect with their communities, and what’s ahead for his classroom and FFA chapter.
From Classroom to Career: The Lasting Impact of FFA Advisors
Ag teachers also serve as mentors and advocates, helping students navigate academic challenges and prepare for opportunities in production agriculture, agribusiness, science, education, and beyond. They often play a pivotal role, shaping careers, sparking passions, and instilling leadership skills that last a lifetime.
For RFD NEWS anchor Eliza Petry, the story hits close to home. Petry shared how her own FFA experiences were shaped by dedicated teachers and mentors, and how that guidance helped her find confidence, leadership skills, and a lifelong connection to agriculture. Mindy Bunselmeyer, Executive Director of the Illinois FFA Association, also joined us on Market Day Report to share her perspective on the impact of ag educators.
In her chat with RFD NEWS, Bunselmeyer reflected on her own start in the classroom, describing the joy she found in teaching and mentoring students. While no longer teaching directly, she now works alongside hundreds of FFA advisors, noting the dedication, creativity, and encouragement that Illinois FFA educators bring to their classrooms each day.
She also highlighted the importance of mentorship, recalling her own ag teacher and the qualities she admired, which shaped her approach to leadership and education. She offered encouraging words for Ag teachers nationwide, emphasizing the lasting influence they have on students and communities.
FFA Eastern VP Reflects on Ag Teachers’ Lasting Impact
Finally, on today’s Market Day Report, we were joined by FFA Eastern Region Vice President Joey Nowotny to hear his perspective on the impact of ag teachers.
In his conversation with RFD NEWS, Nowotny reflected on how his own teachers encouraged him to get involved in FFA, fostered a sense of belonging in the classroom through hands-on experiences like aquaponics, and supported him as he discovered his passion for agriculture. He also recalled his first FFA meeting (motivated by free pizza!) and how that moment led him to fully commit to the organization.
Nowotny also highlighted the importance of experiential learning — from aquaponics to poultry production to caring for exotic animals in the heart of Arkansas — and expressed gratitude for the dedication of Ag teachers nationwide who invest in their students every day.
