EduCurious Interview with Jessica Strom: A Career in Ag

Jessica Strom, a dynamic and dedicated high school agriculture teacher, is making a remarkable impact by revitalizing the Ag program at her local charter high school. With a fresh vision Strom has taken the program and expanded it into a thriving hub of student engagement and opportunity with projections for a substantial increase in animal projects like sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle, demonstrating the program's rapid and positive trajectory under her leadership.Strom's passion for agriculture is lifelong, stemming from her upbringing around horses in Lithia, Florida, and her active involvement in showing animals. This deep-rooted connection initially led her to pursue an equine degree from the University of Florida with dreams of opening a breeding facility. However, after a stint with the USDA doing farm loans, she discovered her true calling in agricultural education. She found joy in the hands-on, dynamic nature of teaching Ag, a field that allows her to be outdoors and directly engage with students and animals.A cornerstone of Strom's teaching philosophy is making agriculture relatable and demonstrating its vast career possibilities beyond traditional farming. She successfully integrates the FFA (Future Farmers of America) into her curriculum, guiding her chapter to achieve the prestigious "Florida's Finest" national award. Strom emphasizes that FFA provides invaluable leadership skills and exposure to diverse fields, from aquaculture to public speaking. She also actively involves her students in real-world experiences like the Polk County Youth Fair, which she sees as a vital platform for applied learning and sparking broader interest.Strom's vision for the next five years includes further enhancing the school's facilities, establishing a productive greenhouse, and even creating a poultry program to collaborate with the culinary department by providing fresh eggs. Her ambition extends to her own professional development; she is currently completing an accelerated Master's degree in Agriculture Leadership, Education, and Communication and plans to pursue a PhD, with aspirations to one day teach at the university level.Drawing from her own experiences, including navigating early-career challenges, Strom advocates for young educators to find mentors and a supportive administrative team. She believes in the power of community and connection, actively using resources like educator groups on social media for inspiration and support. Strom’s dedication is evident in her long hours and commitment to her students, ensuring they have every opportunity to explore their interests, whether it's growing coral reefs or planting cucumbers. Her journey is a testament to the profound difference a passionate and resilient educator can make.

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