By Whitney Baxter
Melanie Bloom’s superpower as an agriculture teacher is knowing what questions to ask and when to ask them. She encourages aspiring ag teachers to do the same and identify great teachers to learn from.
Bloom (’01 animal science, agricultural and life sciences education, ’08 MS agricultural and life sciences education) was on Iowa State’s campus last Wednesday and Thursday for the Teacher in Residence Program. Made possible by a gift from Jane and Richard (’76 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) Carter, the program connects Iowa ag teachers with current students, faculty and staff in Iowa State University’s Department of Agricultural Education and Studies.
Bloom has served as the agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor at Sioux Central High School in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, for 16 years, where she developed the district’s full-time ag program.
“It’s been a lot of fun to build the district’s ag program and improve my teaching craft over the years,” Bloom said. “My classroom has evolved into a student-driven environment where I’m there to support and mentor the students as they ask questions and learn.”
As an educator, she’s driven by a desire to open students’ eyes to their potential and prepare them for future education or careers through experiential learning.
“I want to offer opportunities for students to do things they didn’t think they were capable of doing,” Bloom said.
Self-described as the “nerdy and geeky” kid growing up, Bloom is not afraid to “geek out” about concepts being taught.
“If I get enthusiastic and excited about something, the kids pick up on that and they will follow the enthusiasm,” Bloom said. “Every teacher has a phenomenal interest in something, and when they are able to share that with students, I think students will follow the excitement and the enthusiasm."
In recognition of the impacts she has made on her students and on the teaching profession, Bloom was named the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year late last year. Since then, she has been traveling the state and the country, interacting with fellow teachers who all share an enthusiasm and passion for teaching.
“This experience has been so rewarding, and I’ve gained so many ideas to take back to my school and colleagues,” Bloom said.
While visiting Iowa State’s campus, Bloom presented to several classes of aspiring agriculture teachers. Elly Cain, a junior in agricultural and life sciences education, appreciated how Bloom shared not only the successes she has had as an instructor but also the life lessons learned along the way.
“Her insights challenged me to think more critically about how I would like to approach leadership and personal growth for my future career,” Cain said. “I feel honored to have had the opportunity to sit down with the Teacher of the Year.”
Julia Lenz, a sophomore in agricultural education and studies, said listening to Bloom provided her with a deeper appreciation for the agricultural education field and the individuals in it.
“It's because of genuine, supportive individuals like Melanie that those in the profession of agriculture education can thrive and ultimately become the best teachers possible to impact the lives of future generations of leaders and agriculturists,” Lenz said. “Melanie's visit left me feeling inspired and certain that although it won't always be easy, I'm on the right path to creating a fulfilling career in education.”