Samantha Brewington

Personal Teaching Philosophy

“I believe in the future of agriculture” is the first line of the FFA creed written by E.M.
Tiffany. The creed is a staple of agricultural education in the US as every freshman across the
country learns it in their freshman Ag class. That simple line is one the best ways for me to
summarize my teaching philosophy. I truly believe in the future of agriculture and the future
students will make. I believe students can achieve anything they want to and as a teacher I have
the privilege and responsibility to provide them with resources, education and skills needed to
get to their next step.
Students come from all types of backgrounds and integrating that into my classroom
makes it a unique experience for my students that allows me to provide them with authentic
experiences that are useful ton building career readiness skills. My personal background also
affects what I can teach students. Integrating my experiences into my teaching always for
students to see my background and how that reflects into what they can build into in their future.
I believe building a classroom culture is the first thing that happens in a classroom to
build success for me as the teacher and for my students. The only way to do that is by spending
the time to build relationships and get to know who my students are, what their experiences are,
what their backgrounds look like and what they need. Building that culture is what sets up a
“safe” space where students are free to not be safe and break out of their comfort zone to engage
in their learning.
Growth is an extensive piece of school. It’s crucial to value student’s achievements from
where they were to where they’ve come to. The growth students can accomplish in a short time
is amazing to witness and we can only unlock that when we believe in their abilities.
“I believe in the future of agriculture” is a powerful phrase with in the FFA and
Agricultural Education. We say it a lot, and as Ag Educators we get the privilege of working
with students in so many different “lenses” that we get to see who they are and what they believe
in to help them accomplish their dreams. It is a privilege to say that I truly believe in the future
because of the kids I get to teach; they all have great potential and are going to great things when
we give them the chance to learn. I believe all kids can learn and find their goals if we provide
them the help to do it.