Cultivating Classrooms: Insights from Ag Educators
by Emma Huber and Sammy Jurczykowski
Welcome to "Cultivating Classrooms: Insights from Ag Educators," with Emma Huber and Sammy Jurczykowski. The podcast where we delve into the rich and diverse world of agricultural education. In each episode, we'll be joined by experienced educators, industry experts, and thought leaders who are sowing the seeds of knowledge in classrooms across America.
Episodes
-
SAE Awards with Nathaniel Nolden
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with an ag teacher and SAE committee chair Nathaniel Nolden to discuss the upcoming changes to FFA’s SAE award system at both the state and national levels. We break down the transition from Proficiency Awards to SAE Awards, what’s changing,...
-
1st Year Teaching Tips & Tricks with Katie Zimmer, Sydney Bender & Ben McMeeken
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with a group of new ag teachers to reflect on their first year in the classroom. They share what helped them stay organized, the strategies and routines that worked, the things they would do differently, and the lessons they learned along the...
-
DPI Updates with Missy Goers
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we chat with Missy Goers, the new DPI AFNR Education Consultant and State FFA Advisor to learn a little more about her and welcome her into her new role at DPI. She shares updates, new initiatives, and opportunities for ag teachers, along with an inside...
-
Ask an Ag Teacher with the UW-Platteville Ag Ed Society
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, your hosts Emma and Sammy zoomed into UW-Platteville Ag Ed Society’s 1st meeting of the new school year for a special edition of Ask an Ag Teacher. From what to expect during student teacher to how our classrooms have changed since our 1st year, we’re…
more -
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin with Erika Schade
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Erika Schade, the Community and Schools Manager from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, to learn more about the resources and opportunities they offer to ag teachers. We discuss classroom resources, educational programs, industry connections…
more -
Veterinary Science with Gwen Boettcher & Candice Franks
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Gwen Boettcher (DeForest Area High School) and Candice Franks (Delavan-Darien School District) to explore how they teach veterinary science in their programs. They share their favorite hands-on activities, resources and classroom...
-
The Difficult Less with Dr. Becky Haddad
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with Dr. Becky Haddad, Assistant Professor of Agriculture Education at University of Nebraska-Lincoln about her idea of the “Difficult Less.” We discuss how to say “no” without necessarily losing out on opportunities and how to thoughtfully shift...
-
Standards Based Grading with Gretchen Rozeboom
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we are joined by ag teacher Gretchen Rozeboom to talk about using standards based grading in the classroom. Gretchen and one of our hosts, Emma Huber, share how they communicate learning targets, assess student mastery, and navigate the challenges and...
-
Middle School Ag Ed & FFA with Madelynn Green
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms we talk about all things middle school ag. Emma and Sammy are joined by middle school ag teacher, Madelyn Green. Emma and Madelyn share their best tips and tricks for teaching middle school agriculture and navigating a middle school FFA. Tune in to hear...
-
Ask an Ag Teacher: What I Wish I Knew Sooner…
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, your hosts Emma and Sammy take on a collection of “What I Wish I Knew Sooner” topics from their own experiences in ag ed. From keeping students engaged in required classes and developing meaningful SAE experiences to planning effective FFA meetings and...
-
Technical Incentive Grants with Gwen Boettcher & Leigh Robertson
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with ag teacher, Gwen Boettcher and iCEV representative, Leigh Robertson to explore the Wisconsin Technical Incentive Grants and the opportunities they provide for ag ed programs. We discuss what the grants are, why they matter, and how they...
-
Farm Safety with Mark Cournoyer
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Mark Cournoyer to discuss how he teaches tractor and farm safety in his program. From hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples to partnerships with local organizations and industry professionals, Mark shares strategies for making...
-
Wisconsin FFA Updates - April 2026
We are back with Glenda Crook & Cheryl Zimmerman of Wisconsin FFA to share important FFA updates for advisors and members. They cover upcoming conference information, contest and award updates, some common FFA questions they are getting, and key deadlines to keep on your radar. This episode is a...
-
National FFA Prepared Speaking LDE Winner - Josie Roberts
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Contest winner, Josie Roberts from Portage FFA, who shares the story behind her powerful speech on rural mental health and farmer suicide. In addition to discussing the impact and inspiration behind her...
-
National Proficiency Award Winner - Ava Medo (Goat Production)
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with a National FFA Proficiency Award winner, Ava Medo from Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School and her advisor, Matt Christian to explore the journey behind earning national recognition in her Goat Production Proficiency. Ava shares insights...
-
National Proficiency Award Winner - Hannah Oleson (Beef Production)
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview National FFA Proficiency Award winner, Hannah Oleson from Adams-Friendship High School and her advisor, Becky Grabarski. They share the story behind Hannah's beef project, the work and growth that led her to the national level, and the...
-
Ask an Ag Teacher - Preservice Teacher Edition
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, Emma and Sammy take some time to answer questions from preservice teachers about FFA and agricultural education. From advice for getting started to insights on managing an ag program and supporting FFA members, we share our experiences and perspectives…
more -
National Horse Evaluation CDE Gold Team - Chippewa Falls FFA
This week on Cultivating Classrooms, we’re celebrating a team that made it all the way to the national stage. We interviewed the Chippewa Falls FFA Horse Evaluation CDE team that earned 2nd place at National FFA Convention, along with their advisor, Caitlin Foster, to hear about their journey...
-
Do’s and Don'ts of Retirement with Sandy Dykes & Dan Ziegler
On this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with retired ag teachers Sandy Dykes and Dan Ziegler to talk honestly about the dos and don’ts of retirement. From lessons learned to things they wish they’d done sooner, this conversation is full of practical advice, reflection, and wisdom…
more -
WI FFA Updates with Cheryl Zimmerman & Glenda Crook
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Glenda Crook & Cheryl Zimmerman of Wisconsin FFA to share important FFA updates for advisors and members. They cover upcoming conference information, contest and award updates, some common FFA questions they are getting, and key…
more -
Classroom Resources with Sammy & Emma
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, Emma and I talk through some familiar, free resources that many ag teachers already know and use from time to time. We share our personal favorites, how we use them in our classrooms and FFA programs, and ideas for getting even more value out of these go...
-
National FFA Prepared Speaking LDE Winner - Josie Roberts
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Contest winner, Josie Roberts from Portage FFA, who shares the story behind her powerful speech on mental health and farmer suicide. In addition to discussing the impact and inspiration behind her topic,...
-
Natural Resources with David Kruse
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with an ag teacher about teaching natural resources in their program. They share what a typical course looks like, essential resources and materials, and how they bring lessons to life through hands-on learning and field experiences. We also...
-
Ask an Ag Teacher - Part 1
In this “Ask and Ag Teacher” episode of Cultivating Classrooms, Emma and Sammy tackle your questions about all things ag ed. We talk about navigating FFA involvement, finding balance as a new parent in the world of ag education, and share a few practical time-management tips to help you survive...
-
Aquaculture with Kaleb Santy & Jim Melby
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with ag teachers Kaleb Santy and Jim Melby about the unique role aquaculture plays in their program. From setting up and maintaining a school aquaculture system to raising different species and engaging students in hands-on management, they share...
-
Floriculture with Katie Koeppel & Jamie Propson
This episode of Cultivating Classrooms features Mishicot ag teachers Jamie Propson and Katie Koeppel who share their experiences teaching floriculture and running a thriving floral design business alongside their program. They share how classroom lessons can connect to real-world applications…
more -
Educator Effectiveness with Crystal Retzlaff & Kimberly Yohn
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with ag teachers, Crystal Retzlaff and Kimberly Yohn, to talk about educator effectiveness and what it looks like in their districts. They share how they create meaningful SLOs for all students, develop PPGs that reflect both growth and the...
-
Meat Processing with Beth Babcock & Kathryn Lampi
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with ag teachers, Beth Babcock and Kathryn Lampi, about how they teach meat processing in their programs. They share what their courses look like, the partnerships and resources that support their work, and the steps they take to keep students…
more -
Greenhouse Management with Walter Taylor
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we welcome Ag Teacher, Walter Taylor, from Oconto Falls High School as he shares about the rewards and challenges of teaching with and managing a school greenhouse. Wally provides insight on how he incorporates greenhouse management and work into his...
-
Dairy Science with Kelly Hubert & Cierra Essock
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with ag teachers Kelly Hubert and Cierra Essock to talk about teaching dairy science in the classroom and beyond. They share how they bring the dairy industry to life for students through hands-on labs, real-world experiences, and creative...
-
Equity in Ag Ed with Krist Kvalheim & Josh Capadarco
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, have a thoughtful discussion with Sun Prairie ag teachers, and DEI Committee Chairs, Krist Kvalheim & Josh Capadarco. They share with us how they promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their classrooms, FFA’s and ag programs. They share personal...
-
CASE Certifications with Kayla Loewenhagen
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview CASE-certified ag teacher, Kayla Loewenhagen, to dive into the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) model. She shares her experience with the certification process, how CASE has transformed her teaching, and the benefits it...
-
Navigating Extended Contracts with Troy Talford
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with Sauk Prairie Ag Teacher, Troy Talford, to discuss the importance of extended contracts and how to effectively advocate for them. He shares how having extra days supports his program growth, student success, and community engagement, along…
more -
Meet Your New WAAE Executive Director - Mary Handrich
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms we sit down with the new Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE) Executive Director, Mary Handrich. Mary shares her goals, upcoming initiatives and plans to support and strengthen agricultural education across the state. Tune in to hear how...
-
Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom with Beth Schaefer & Travis Sprague
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with the Coordinator for WI Ag in the Classroom, Beth Schaefer, and one of the program’s passionate ambassadors, Travis Sprague, to discuss how they’re bringing agricultural literacy to students across the state. They share what WI Ag in the...
-
Maternity Leave & Planning with Abbey Meffert, Alyssa Engel, & Hanna Mielke
Tune into this episode to hear a whole hearted discussion on the topic of maternity leave and long term sub planning, which Emma and Sammy recently got to experience first hand, both welcoming their first babies! Cultivating Classrooms welcomes Abbey Meffert, Alyssa Engel, & Hanna Mielke, three...
-
National Proficiency Award Winner - Jack Schuster (Ag Sales)
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview National FFA Proficiency Award winner Jack Schuster of the Marshall FFA Chapter and his FFA advisor, Ms. Paula Bakken to learn about the hard work and dedication behind his achievement. They share insights into Jack’s winning project in Ag...
-
Grant Writing with Beth Schaefer
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, We chat with Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, Beth Schaefer, about the art of grant writing. From finding the right grant opportunities to crafting compelling applications, she shares expert tips and strategies for securing funding to enhance your...
-
FFA Officer Training & Management with Tari Costello
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Tari Costello, retired ag teacher and now Executive Director of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters as she shares her wealth of experience in training and managing FFA officer teams. From building strong leadership skills to fostering...
-
How to Get Hired with Josh Sween & Kasey Podoll
Join us for this episode of Cultivating Classrooms as we sit down with administrators from Emma’s stomping grounds of Portage School District. Middle School Principal, Kasey Podoll, and School Superintendent Josh Sween, provide us with practical knowledge about how to get hired as an ag teacher....
-
State Officer Candidate Prep with Kim Forester & Cheryl Zimmerman
Tune into this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, as we talk with Kim Forrester from iCEV and Cheryl Zimmerman from State FFA about what it takes to prepare an FFA member for the role of being a state FFA officer. They share insights into the selection process, tips for developing leadership...
-
Youth Apprenticeship with Kayla Darr & Stephanie DeVries
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview CESA 5 representatives Kayla Darr and Stephanie DeVries to explore the opportunities available through Youth Apprenticeship programs for high school agriculture students. Learn how these programs connect students with real-world experiences,...
-
National Proficiency Award Winner - Kaleb Ellis (Diversified Agriculture)
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview National FFA Proficiency Award winner and “Super Farmer” Kaleb Ellis from Cochrane - Fountain City and his FFA advisor, Ms. Chris Jumbeck to learn about the hard work and dedication behind his achievement. They share insights into Kaleb’s...
-
Food Science in the Classroom with Amanda Seichter
Join us for this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, where we dive into the fascinating world of food science with an experienced ag teacher, Amanda Seichter who brings this subject to life in the classroom. Amanda shares with us insight on engaging lab activities to real-world applications, and...
-
National FFA Central Region Vice President - Mary Schrieber
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with Mary Schrieber, National FFA Officer and former Wisconsin State FFA Officer to hear about her journey, experiences, and insights from serving in this prestigious leadership role. She shares stories from the road, lessons learned while...
-
Differentiating Lessons with Jillian Beaty
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview an inspiring ag teacher who shares her strategies for differentiating lessons to meet the diverse needs of her students. From modifying activities and lessons for students with specialized learning plans, to creating inclusive and engaging...
-
Inquiry Based Teaching with Becky Grabarski & Amie Dienger
Tune into this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, where we talk with Becky Grabarski and Amie Dienger, two ag teachers who are making an impact through inquiry-based teaching in their classrooms. They share how they use lessons that encourage student-led exploration and deepen understanding…
more -
Conflict Management with Paul Majors
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with experienced ag teacher, Paul Majors, who shares his approach to handling challenging situations and resolving conflicts within FFA chapters and ag programs. From student disputes to leadership challenges, Paul offers some practical…
more -
Continuing Education with Dr. Ketterling, Dr. Graham, Dr. Buttles & Professor Bockenhauer
In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we chat with representatives from UW Platteville and River Falls about the programs they offer for current and aspiring ag teachers looking to further their education. Learn about advanced degrees, professional development opportunities, and specialized...
-
FFA Alumni & Supporters with Bailey Creamer & David Kruse
Are you looking for ways to strengthen your relationship with your local FFA Alumni and Supporters group? Join us for this episode of Cultivating Classrooms as we chat with Bailey Creamer and David Kruse at Elkhorn about what their alumni does for them, the roles that they and their students play...
About this show
Welcome to "Cultivating Classrooms: Insights from Ag Educators," with Emma Huber and Sammy Jurczykowski. The podcast where we delve into the rich and diverse world of agricultural education. In each episode, we'll be joined by experienced educators, industry experts, and thought leaders who are sowing the seeds of knowledge in classrooms across America.
Hosted by
Emma Huber and Sammy Jurczykowski
Categories