Creating a Junction

Junction City Agricultural Education teacher and FFA advisor, Laura Miller, felt a little scared when she was hired to build a Career and Technical Education program, especially since there had not been one before. What she has accomplished in those past eight years is unique.

Miller loves that the school has a big city feel, but then glancing out the window, you see pasture and farmland. Junction City High School houses over 1,400 students, but was recently built outside of their town, surrounded by pastures. “Geary County has a strong agricultural presence and it made sense to add agricultural classes into the mix” notes Miller.

Once classes were formed, word of mouth was the best way to get the students to sign up. Animal Science and Natural Resources were added the first year, with other classes to follow. Since then, there has been a large growth in numbers. The FFA chapter started out with just 20 members and has grown to 67. The students are very community involved with local groups, such as Farm Bureau.

Between the increased number of students in the classroom, as well as seeing her members excel in FFA by attending competitions and winning awards, scholarships, and qualifying for national competitions, Miller is proud of her program. A second teacher will be added to the program this upcoming year, as well as a new greenhouse.

It is because of her passion for students and agriculture that it was no surprise that she was named the KAAE Teacher of the Year. When you work as hard as Mrs. Miller does, and love something so much, it makes the job worth the while and being recognized for that hard work is just one of the perks. It is because of that honor that Miller continues to seek out ways to improve her teaching and bring new ideas into her classroom.

For teachers who are beginning to form their program, Miller’s biggest piece of advice would be that you must like the school that you are at. Find a place that fits you, that supports your ideas and goals, a place where you know your talents will be appreciated and used. Never be afraid to think big and ask for it.