EduCurious Interview with Emilyn Sharpless: Growing a "Grade A" Agriculture Program

Emilyn Sharpless’s agriculture classroom at a local Polk County middle school is anything but typical. It’s rarely quiet, bustling with activity that spills far beyond four walls. Sharpless, an agriculture teacher celebrating a decade in the field, has cultivated a program where learning is tangible, impactful, and deeply rooted in real-world application.Initially aspiring to be a museum curator with a history degree, Sharpless found her true calling thanks to the persistent encouragement of her own middle school ag teacher. Now, she orchestrates a dynamic learning environment built on the FFA’s three-circle model: classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE), and FFA leadership opportunities. While standards are taught indoors, the real magic happens outside. Students manage a state-of-the-art greenhouse featuring an innovative aquaponics system where fish waste fertilizes plants in a closed loop. They tend raised vegetable beds, care for rabbits and goats (with lease programs ensuring accessibility for all students), and learn everything from plant science to animal husbandry firsthand.Crucially, the students run the land lab. They plant, harvest, feed, water, and monitor the animals and systems, fostering responsibility and ownership. This hands-on work often translates into SAE projects showcased at the Polk County Youth Fair, ranging from showing animals to submitting photography.Beyond the practical skills, Sharpless’s program is a powerhouse for leadership through FFA. Students don't just join; they actively participate, compete in Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs/LDEs), and attend state conventions. Sharpless selects officers through a rigorous application and interview process involving community members, ensuring genuine commitment. This dedication bore incredible fruit recently when her chapter, in its first attempt, earned recognition as a Top 10 National FFA Chapter – a testament to the students' year-round efforts in activities like the highly successful Great American Teach-In she organizes.Community service is woven into the program's fabric. Students assemble wellness baskets for local families in need, collect candy for Hope Equine’s events, raise funds for charities they choose, and visit elementary schools for Ag literacy days, reading stories and leading activities like planting seeds or making butter.What makes it all thrive? Sharpless points to student buy-in, supportive parents, and an encouraging school community. Her philosophy is clear: bring real-world relevance to every student, foster a love for agriculture, and build strong relationships. She measures success not just in awards, but in seeing initially hesitant students blossom into passionate participants. It’s about instilling awareness of where food comes from and the importance of sustainable practices in a rapidly changing world. Emilyn Sharpless isn't just teaching agriculture; she's cultivating future leaders, community members, and knowledgeable consumers, one hands-on experience at a time. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. Subscribe so you’ll see the episodes when they drop! https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts?sub_confirmation=1Be SocialWebsite: https://educuriouspod.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EduCuriousPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/49IJd6WG083nXhZeQWt2hk?si=300fba40fb83456c Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educurious-pods/id1798666772 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edu.curious.podcasts/ Email: [email protected] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@educuriouspods #LifeLongLearner #EducatorInput#CollaborativePD#LifelongLearning#OnlineLearning#PersonalizedPD#ProfDev#EducatorPD