By Whitney Baxter
With memories of going to see her dad at the school where he taught agriculture classes, Olivia Lulich will soon be making memories in her role as an agriculture teacher.
Lulich, a graduating senior in agricultural and life sciences education, is wrapping up student teaching at Williamsburg High School in the eastern Iowa town of Williamsburg. Teaching students about agronomy, animal science, plant science and agricultural mechanics, she is already sharing with the next generation what she has been learning in her Iowa State classes.
From shop classes with Jon Davis, assistant teaching professor in agricultural education and studies, to a marketing class with Raj Agnihotri, professor of marketing, Lulich is prepared to guide her future students as they build life skills and compete in various FFA competitions.
She is driven by her positive experiences as a former FFA member in her home state of Wisconsin.
“It makes me so happy to see students find success and know they will be able to list those skills and achievements on scholarship applications, resumes and college applications,” she said.
Students enrolled in Iowa State’s agricultural education program must observe agriculture teachers in the classroom. Then during their junior year, the students select their top three choices for school districts to student teach at and are placed at one of them. The student teaching experience provides tomorrow’s teachers with real-world experience leading a classroom.
“I’ve been banking on this experience to solidify this is what I want to do, and I now know I’m on the right path,” Lulich said of her time in Williamsburg.
Nate Dobbels, academic advisor in agricultural education and studies, is confident Lulich will find success in the teaching field. As a peer mentor for the department, Lulich was very engaged with the younger students and served as a great role model.
“I know she will be an amazing ag teacher,” Dobbels said. “Olivia is kind, caring, knowledgeable and a joy to be around. It was a privilege to serve as her advisor, and I can’t wait to see all she will accomplish in the future.”
When asked what advice she would offer aspiring teachers, Lulich said to “just do it” (go into teaching). “The work you’ll do is so impactful, and you get to positively influence youth.”