Pullman teacher named Agriscience Ambassador

Pullman High School agriscience teacher Jessica Moore did not mince words when describing her experience at the National Agriscience Teachers Ambassador Academy in Des Moines, Iowa.

"It was one of the neatest things that I've ever done," Moore said. "I'm thankful and grateful for the opportunity, so I'm excited to share what I've learned through this."

Moore was one of just a handful of teachers to be invited to the 14th annual event, which is hosted by DuPont - the world's fourth largest chemical company. The educators worked on innovative teaching concepts and how to get students to take a larger role in their experience.

"My students, I actually want them to be more in charge of their learning instead of me saying I'll give the guidelines," Moore said. "... They're going to learn a lot more if they come up with a solution themselves rather than me saying, 'Hey, this what's going to happen.' "

In the past, Moore said, she would give her students background information and explain a new subject, and then assign an activity to reinforce that new information. At the academy, the teachers paired up and problem solved their way through a new challenge, before discussing it with the group. Moore said it was like a light bulb went off, and it was a better way to remember things.

Moore said using the new techniques, students will get a better idea of what kind of skills potential employers are looking for in the agriculture industry, particularly though science, technology, engineering and mathematics. However, the people hosting the event emphasized that it's not as much about what is being taught, but how it is being taught.

"At first I thought, 'Oh man, if at first I give this to my students without giving them all this background, they're not going to know what to do with themselves,' and (the academy hosts) kept saying have faith, and I bought it. I'm sold," Moore said. "It's preparing the students for all the careers that are out there."

The five-day event was held at the FFA Enrichment Center at Des Moines Area Community College, and now Moore will be presenting her own work at the National Association of Agriculture Educators convention, which takes place Nov. 29 through Dec. 3 in Las Vegas. She will recreate an activity she learned at the academy dealing with the effects of oil pH on plant color. Moore, who is in her 10th year at PHS, is working with educators from Kentucky and Alabama for her presentation.

Tom Hager can be reached at (208) 883-4633 or by email to thager@dnews.com.