WOODBURY — Seven out of the nine agriculture teachers have returned to Nonnewaug to teach after they graduated from here. Why do so many teachers choose to return to Nonnewaug after going through college and potentially teaching at other schools?
Many teachers feel that is rewarding and felt like Nonnewaug was a home to return to.
“While I had the unique opportunity to experience several diverse school districts at the start of my teaching career,” said Jesse Hungerford, a vet science teacher, “Nonnewaug called me back home.”
Hungerford didn’t come straight back to Nonnewaug after finishing her undergraduate at Delaware Valley University. She first started in Pennsylvania and returned to Nonnewaug in time. Another staff member, ag production teacher Kathleen Gorman, knew that she would be back at Nonnewaug.
“As a senior on my last day of school, I jokingly told my agriscience teacher, ‘I’m coming for your job,’” said Gorman. “At the time, it was more of a lighthearted comment than a serious plan, but here I am today — teaching in the very position they once held.”
For Gorman it seemed as though it was meant to be returning to Nonnewaug. Gorman believes it is very rewarding to come back and teach where she once was.
“Now, standing in the same classrooms where I once sat as a student, I get to help the next generation find their passion,” said Gorman. “It’s surreal, but it also feels like exactly where I am meant to be.”
Teachers who return all seem to enjoy it but also notice differences in the program. Hungerford notices a large difference in the pride of the school.
“Regardless of what type of agriscience student you were, everyone would be proud and supportive of teams that placed first in states and represented Connecticut at the national level,” said Hungerford. “Unfortunately, the biggest change I have seen over the years is a sharp decline in agriscience students’ spirit.”
Teachers share some disappointment about the decline in activity as the Woodbury FFA program used to be more enthusiastic about participation. Almost every agriscience teacher has a story about being a part of a CDE and enjoying it. Now, it seems to be the same small group of students participating.
This raises questions if the trend of students returning to teach will continue. There are fewer students who are going into agriculture education majors but the ones who are have stuck out in the ag program.
“I wanted to go into agricultural education because it gives me the potential to do a lot of good,” said Chloe Walsh, a senior ag student who plans on going into ag education, “and it’s something I believe I can be good at.”
Walsh has always stuck out in the program and would be a great addition to teach here later. But is that her plan?
“I am not actively looking to come back to Nonnewaug,” said Walsh, “but I also don’t know where my career might take me and am open to all possible opportunities.”
Walsh’s plan is slightly different than the other agriscience teachers who had always planned on coming back to Nonnewaug. Those teachers came back to try to better the school and make connections with students that they experienced in high school.
“I now have the opportunity to give my students the same experiences that shaped me,” said Gorman. “I want to help them recognize the incredible launching point they’ve been given and what it truly means for their future.”
Students who become teachers shape the program and are so enthusiastic about their jobs because they once sat in those same chairs that their students now occupy. They are able to better understand how essential this agriculture education can be for students.
