The Warmest Shadow: A Father-Daughter Teaching Transition

摘要

In 16 years at Michigan's Corunna High School, Mark Forbush built an Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Education program that met every definition of success. During his tenure, the program consistently placed at, or near, the top of theNational Chapter recognition; was a National Model of Innovation winner; went 11 straight years as a three-star National chapter; totaled 37 state-winning CDEs; saw membership grow from 57 to 168; and changed from a one-teacher to two-teacher program. Mark also excelled, receiving his Honorary American Degree and being awarded the Outstanding Agri-science Educator in Michigan. One of the most significant accomplishments, however, was the hiring of his daughter to co-lead the program. Mark's daughter, Casie, reflected on her decision to become an AFNR Educator:I decided to enter AFNR Education because a friend said, 'You should be a teacher.' I asked her why, and she mentioned that I explained the work in our class three different ways to three different people to help them understand. 'That's what good teachers do,' she mentioned. So, I thought, Well, I like agriculture, I like working with other people, and I love the FFA - why not put them all together and be a teacher!' Plus, the expert in the field happened to eat dinner with me every night. Watching mydad as an AFNR educator mywhole life, I was able to witness the unique impact he had on students and knew I wanted to have a similar impact.