Madison, GA |
Inside the classroom and greenhouse at Morgan County High School, students are learning more than just plant science—they’re discovering purpose. Thanks to the dedication of agriculture teacher Rachel Kinsaul, courses like floral design, horticulture, and forestry are helping students find their footing in the world of agriculture, regardless of their background.
“Right now, I teach horticulture, forestry, and floral design. So, I’m kind of more on the plant side of things,” says Kinsaul. “Floral design came about because we were trying to attract a different kid into the ag program, trying to diversify our population a little bit. At that time, we were really boy heavy. So, we created our floral design program to try to pull in different kids that might not have taken an ag class otherwise.”
Once she gets students in the door with the appeal of floral design, Kinsaul says she can then introduce them to the broader opportunities that agriculture has to offer—everything from animal science to ag mechanics.
But for her, it’s not just about recruitment. It’s about helping students explore who they are and where they belong.
“Agriculture is so diverse,” she says. “One thing I really try to focus in on is trying a little bit of everything to find something that sticks—something they really love. Once they find that area, I think it’s just natural for their passion to shine. I try to show the kids that in lots of different ways—public speaking, hands-on production, showing livestock—giving them a wide variety of opportunities so they can see what fits.”
That commitment to student growth recently earned Kinsaul national recognition. She was named a recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award—one of only 40 educators across the country to receive the honor this year.
“They like to celebrate the unsung hero—those who don’t always get the recognition but are doing the work,” says Kinsaul. “Then they focus on elevating. I just got back from L.A. where I met the 39 other recipients, and the focus was on finding our passion, being ten percent bolder, taking risks. The third part is activating—going back out into our communities to do big things and advocate for education.”
And for Kinsaul, advocacy starts with her students. She sees agricultural education as a vital tool—not just for those entering the field, but for any student preparing to join the workforce.
“CTAE is really working to prepare students for the workforce through career tech and ag education,” she explains. “A big portion of my job is advocating for what we do, so our program is seen as relevant in the community and across the state. Whether the kids go into ag or not, we’re hoping they’re much more prepared for the workforce.”
By: John Holcomb