Hugh Jenkins believes the current education system focuses too much on testing rather than providing a well-rounded education. He will use the three circle model of instruction, supervised agricultural experience projects, and FFA involvement to give students real-world learning experiences. Through hands-on labs, requiring all students to complete an SAE project, and empowering student leadership in FFA, Jenkins aims to develop leaders and provide an equal education to students of all backgrounds. Technology and diversity will be embraced in the classroom to enhance the curriculum. Jenkins wants all students to feel safe and supported to learn and succeed through the agriculture program.

1. Teaching According To Hugh Jenkins
In todays education our students are not prepared with the necessary information they need to be
well rounded, successful, and contributing citizens of America. They are taught, in most cases,
for a test that seems to always be looming in their future. Whether they are preparing for a test
in the class of which the content is being taught, or prepping for a standardized test, the quality
of the students’ education is only to that of the test. I believe this needs to change, and must
change if the future of this country is to remain the greatest in the world. I also believe our
education system can develop leaders; armed with the basic information they can call on in any
situation.
My philosophy will focus on providing my students with an education not a lecture. The Three
Circle Model is the most efficient method of structuring my program so that I can provide the
students with this education. This model builds Agriculture Education upon three main pillars
that over lap and combines what is learned in the classroom with real-life experiences. Not only
does this model bring academic curriculum in to the classroom, but student development as well.
The three pillars are: Instruction, or classroom/lab time, SAE (Supervised Agricultural
Experience) bringing the real life application to students through projects, and finally the FFA
pillar, which supports the leadership education.
Instruction:
In this pillar I will provide students with a business like atmosphere that promotes learning in a
fair and safe environment. Diversity in the classroom will only benefit the quality of education
that my students will gain from the classes offered in the Agriculture Program. Every one will
be welcome to attend my classes regardless of their background, upbringing, or capacity to learn.
My Ag building is one place that EVERYONE should feel safe, and know that they have the
right to learn just as much as the next student.
Technology will be a big proponent in my classroom and will only amplify the curriculum. With
the tech savvy students that are coming in the classroom today, it would be counter productive to
use outdated technology and methods to teach the curriculum in the classroom. Where possible I
will use the most updated technology available.
Labs or hands-on inquiry based learning will be the core of my teaching methods. This is the
most efficient way students will be able to apply concepts learned in the classroom. Hands-on
learning makes the concepts retainable and in some cases unforgettable. The students will be
able to recall the lessons learned or at least some broad concepts of the things learned during the
labs. Through this inquiry based learning students will get into the habit of using the scientific
method to solve the problems that will come through out their lives, as well as helping them form
good problem solving habits.

2. Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)
This is the pillar where the application of concepts learned in the classroom, are applied and
given real world context. Every student will have an opportunity to complete an SAE Project in
my classroom. In fact I intend to make it a requirement for all my students to complete one. I
will be completely open to the ideas of my students’ and assist them in any way I can. I
recognize and understand that most of them will be unable to acquire and raise show animals for
the fair as an SAE project. Some projects might not even qualify to win a proficiency award,
however, awards and plaques cannot take the place of the education gained nor the life lessons
learned. This is why all students, regardless of their Agricultural background will be able to
complete an SAE project.
If any student wishes to step out side their current circumstances to complete an award winning
SAE project, it is my duty as their Ag Teacher to ensure the proper resources are allocated to
help make that student successful. I will do all that I can to get them all the help they need
through members of the community, FFA Alumni, and volunteers.
FFA
I will integrate FFA into my classroom not only through the state core standards but advertise
with FFA photos all over my classroom. I want the students to see the success and achievements
that can come them if they were to be members of the FFA chapter. As mentioned above SAE
projects can win awards through the FFA, so if a student has an outstanding project then it would
be beneficial for them to become members. I believe all students will need, in order to become
devoted members of the FFA, is to feel the success and comradery that can come because they
are members.
The FFA is a student run organization, and will remain as such. The only way to develop future
leaders is to let them lead and take charge. My officer team will be the body of students who
will design the years POA (program of activities) and be responsible for the execution of the
planned activities. Being their advisor I see it as my role to advise the office team “from time to
time as the need arises”. (FFA opening ceremonies)
Conclusion
I will use the three-circle model to enhance learning in my program to every student who should
walk through the doors and enter into the classroom of real life and applied education. Not only
will core curriculum be taught in the classroom but also an education will be earned by the
students through the inquiry-based learning through labs and hands-on lesson plans, but through
application to real life situations in the SAE projects, and opportunities for growth with in the
FFA. All students will have the same opportunity to gain the most out the Agriculture program
and feel safe and able to grow and develop into successful people however they choose to define
that success.