Tom Jacobsen is headed into his 19th year of teaching at North Fremont High School after graduating with his bachelors from Utah State University. This past year Mr. Jacobsen has been hard at work as he just graduated from the University of Idaho with his Masters Degree in Agricultural Education.
Mr. Jacobsen prides himself in providing experiences for students where they can travel, and get real world exposure to the agricultural industry. This past year he was able to take his chapter to Texas where they toured everything from meat packing facilities and universities to the nation’s largest food bank where they were able to volunteer for a couple of hours.
When we asked Mr. Jacobsen his favorite part about being an ag teacher in Idaho was he said,
“As an agricultural teacher in Idaho we get to do trips and activities that most teachers don’t get to do, and that’s because of the money available for us that is provided by the different program in this state.”
Mr. Jacobsen is one of three teachers at North Fremont High School where they provide three different pathways: welding, plant science, and agricultural communications and leadership. Their agricultural communications and leadership program is a great reflection of Mr. Jacobsen’s ideology of getting students real world experiences. From the monthly newsletter and video editing to drone training, this pathway is supplying students hands-on experiences to better prepare them to educate others on where their food comes from.
Whenever there is an opportunity for a field trip or a hands on project, Mr. Jacobsen makes sure his students get the chance to experience it! This fall Mr. Jacobsen took his animal science class on a trip to Harriman State Park where they went horseback riding and got to enjoy the outdoors (picture above). With the help of alumni and his fellow teachers, they also have a 40 acre farm at North Fremont High School. “We have 3-4 students that help manage the farm every year. It is a great chance for students to gain those leadership skills while getting the hands-on experience of working on the farm,” Mr. Jacobsen.
Along with being a busy ag teacher, Mr. Jacobsen has encompassed a lot of other roles throughout his years. He used to coach wrestling and volleyball and has served the Idaho Ag Teachers Association as the district director and co-chairman. Mr. Jacobsen truly embodies what it means to not only be a great agricultural educator but an involved community member that students can look up to.
