Engaging students in learning: Covering many topics within the field of agriculture

WATERLOO, Ind. — Rebekah Peterson’s students describe her teaching style as enthusiastic, hands-on and engaging.

Peterson, an agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at DeKalb High School in Waterloo, teaches agriculture fabrication, agriculture powers, horticulture, landscape design and principles of agriculture.

She is an Illinois native who moved to Indiana to go to Huntington University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education with a minor in agribusiness.

Q: What impact did teachers have on you?

A: I was greatly impacted by my agriculture teachers, Mr. Bryce Hoffman and Mrs. Elizabeth Rost as they introduced me to FFA and both showed an infectious passion for agriculture.

During my four years of high school, they encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and engage in new contests and activities that led to me developing my own passion for agriculture.

Even though I want all students to know about the importance of agriculture, I want to help develop active, well-rounded citizens who can live productive and meaningful lives.

Q: How did your involvement with FFA shape your career path?

A: Being an active FFA member in my home chapter showed me some of the wonderful opportunities that the FFA can provide. I saw those who were older than I participating and developing in exceptional ways.

These interactions allowed me to bring additional knowledge into my classroom. I have been able to pull from personal experiences to encourage students to try new or intimidating contests and events.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being an FFA adviser?

A: In the grand scheme of a student’s life, their time in our FFA chapter is short-lived, but the four years that we spend together hold so many memories. For some students, they will not travel outside of the county until they go on a FFA trip with our chapter.

This is one of the examples of how a student has the opportunities to experience life outside of the school walls. I enjoy seeing them react to their new experiences and watching them grow over the years.

Q: What’s one challenge in agricultural education today, and how are you helping students overcome it?

A: Motivation is a frequent conversation in the education field. How do we motivate our students to want to participate in activities both in and out of the classroom?

I hope to create interactive lessons that engage students in learning, even if it is a topic that they are not excited about.

One of the great things about agriculture is that we cover many topics within the field. If a student isn’t fond of one area, they may find interest in the next unit.

Q: If you could describe your teaching style in three words, what would they be?

A: I asked my students to sum up my teaching style and they said enthusiastic, hands-on and engaging. This is encouraging to hear as I hope to cultivate a memorable classroom environment.

Q: What’s your favorite FFA event or tradition?

A: One of my favorite traditions occurs during state convention. Each year we bring students to compete in various contests and attend sessions where members are recognized for their hard work.

The guys in our chapter always purchase matching button-ups to wear for one of our dinners and it brings a smile when I see them together.

Q: What’s one item you always have in your classroom or ag shop?

A: We will always have WD-40 in our ag shop. We use this product at least once a week whether it is in our classroom or around the school.

Q: If you could send a message to all your current and former students, what would you want them to hear?

A: I would like to thank my current and former students. Education is a field where you learn on the go. While my college training was beneficial, the majority of your teaching style is developed over the first years of your career.

My first few classes of students were so gracious as I stepped into this new career as a 23-year-old. They were patient and kind as I began this journey and I will not soon forget them.