Grace High School teacher reflects on 30 years of teaching

GRACE — Grace High School Teacher Daryl Wadsworth recently reflected on what it's like having been a teacher for the past three decades.

Wadsworth, who has been a teacher since 1994, said he just reached eight years at Grace High School. He teaches a variety of subjects, including plant and animal science and welding where he teaches everything from structuring to small engines. He said he teaches students from seventh grade to high school seniors.

"I do a junior high intro to agriculture class where I teach the younger group coming into my program," he said.

Wadsworth said the class that he likes teaching the most is his animal science class. He said he enjoys teaching his students about animals he's been around and how they fit into their environment.

"I teach the kids what the animal is about and the part it plays in our food chain and our future," he said. "My favorite is being able to teach the agriculture side of things."

In addition to the classes he teaches, Wadsworth said he is also involved in the Future Farmers of America Program at Grace High School. He said he enjoys helping the kids in that program develop skills that will be beneficial to them in the future.

"I work with the kids at the county fair and their projects," he said. "I feel that being part of the community is really huge when it comes to those future kids in agriculture."

Wadsworth said he enjoys watching his students get involved with the FFA Program and watching them learn leadership skills.

"It's a lot of fun to see those kids move in the program and enjoy the benefits that come from the organization," he said. "I've had kids in 4H and FFA, and they go hand in hand."

The best part about being a teacher for Wadsworth is the connections he forms with his students. He said he also enjoys watching them learn and grow in his classes.

"It is an excellent feeling as a teacher to know that you're teaching them skills that's going to benefit them," he said.

One of the most rewarding experiences Wadsworth has had as a teacher is meeting a former student after they finish high school and seeing how much they've grown and how they've learned from his teaching.

"I've had students who have graduated and moved on," he said. "It's rewarding when they tell me the things they learned in my class are really valuable and have helped them in their future careers."