By Sophia Barnum, Michigan FFA Foundation Intern

For the past six years, the agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Cass City, Heather Middleton, has dedicated her career to becoming the teacher she once needed growing up. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to change the lives of students by giving them opportunities to learn, lead and grow through agricultural education.

“I became an agricultural educator because I wanted to be the teacher I needed growing up,” she shared. “I wanted to make a difference in students’ lives by providing them opportunities in agricultural education, leadership and hands-on learning.”

One of her most meaningful milestones came last year as she watched her first group of students walk across the graduation stage. Seeing their confidence and accomplishments brought her full circle, reminding her why she chose this profession. Through Cass City’s FFA program, her students gain far more than knowledge about livestock or crops; they develop leadership, responsibility, communication and practical skills that prepare them for life beyond high school.

She hopes those outside of the agricultural industry understand the wide-ranging responsibilities and impact of today’s agriscience educators. “Being an ag teacher is so much more than teaching about farming. I teach leadership, problem-solving, teamwork and life skills while guiding students through hands-on experiences with animals, plants and technology.” From managing livestock to mentoring students, coordinating events to planning lessons and facilitating SAEs, her work blends classroom instruction with real-world leadership and practical skill-building.

With strong school support, state funding and grant opportunities, the Cass City agriculture program continues to expand. Recent improvements include the addition of a new Case tractor at the Agriculture Learning Barn, helping increase the hands-on experiences available to students. Throughout the year, members participate in community events such as Halloween at the Barn, Spring into Babies and various local partnerships that connect agriculture to families and youth.

This fall, students wrapped up Halloween at the Barn and are now planning Christmas at the Barn in partnership with the local Turning Point ABA Autism Clinic. They are also assembling Christmas food baskets for families in need using eggs from the school’s chickens. Meanwhile, Salmon in the Classroom has kicked off, offering students a valuable introduction to aquatic science and conservation.

Beyond her regular teaching responsibilities, Heather coaches Career Development Event and Leadership Development Event teams, advises FFA officers, manages barn operations and oversees numerous outreach projects. Middleton states, “The most rewarding part of my work is watching students grow into confident leaders while learning skills that prepare them for success in agriculture and in life.”

Cass City and Michigan FFA are fortunate to have an educator who leads with passion, purpose and a deep commitment to student success.