By Rose Hutchins
Woodward High school is proud to recognize Rodney Washmon as their Teacher of the Month. The district Ag teacher, Rodney brings learning to life through hands-on experiences that ignite a fire in his students. Rodney’s kindness, dedication, and willingness to help kids grow really sets him apart.
Rodney never imagined he’d become an agriculture teacher, but he always knew he was passionate about the program from a young age. Being in school sports always fueled Rodney, but when he walked into the show ring that’s where his true love began. When the opportunity to teach came along, he embraced it and has never looked back. Rodney cares for his students, sharing, “I want my students to know I care for them and always set high expectations for them.”
What drew Rodney to FFA is the wide range of opportunities it offers students. The program provides leadership skills, career development through hands-on training, and competitions experience, all while encouraging personal growth and strong support from the community.
In the classroom, Rodney enjoys helping students find their own avenue. He incorporates hands-on work because he believes that’s where true learning begins. Many of his eighth graders enter the program unsure of what Ag is all about and many times, terrified of public speaking. What brings him the greatest fulfillment is seeing those same students overcome their initial fear, gain confidence, take chances, and absolutely flourish.
“It always makes me feel proud when students ask to be a FFA advisor, or even when former students come to see me, and when I see them in public and all they want to talk about is what they gained in FFA. That’s what truly makes his job most rewarding,” Rodney says.
For those aspiring to be an agricultural teacher, Rodney shares that it is one of the most rewarding careers. However, he made a point to be prepared for the commitment, long hours, late nights, early mornings checking livestock projects, and time spent on the road with students. Ultimately, he says, you are shaping young lives to become future leaders while modeling life lessons every day. For Rodney, that impact is what makes being an educator so meaningful.
