Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education
Andrea Pineda
Student Teacher
Area of Emphasis: Plant Science
Fall 2024 Final Student Teaching Placement: El Capitan High School
Although Andrea didn’t grow up in an agricultural setting, her passion for it began during a farm day in elementary school and deepened through her involvement in FFA during high school. She wasn’t the typical “farm kid,” but quickly learned to embrace both her city upbringing and love for agriculture. Through raising livestock, participating in judging contests, and attending leadership events, she found her place in the agricultural world. This personal journey now fuels her desire to teach the subject.
She believes that while not everyone is raised in agriculture, there’s a place for everyone in an ag class. Courses like Vet Science, Floral Design, Welding, and Food Science allow students to explore beyond the traditional classroom, and she wants to provide these experiences, helping them develop essential skills for their future.
Agricultural education goes beyond the classroom, offering leadership and career development opportunities. As an advisor, she is eager to help students step outside their comfort zones and pursue their interests. Her own experiences in FFA broadened her horizons, showing her different industries and equipping her with valuable life skills.
Her ultimate goal as an agriculture teacher is to inspire even one student to find a passion for the field. She hopes to open their minds to new possibilities and leave a lasting impact—not only through the material they learn but by how she makes them feel and the experiences they have along the way.
Educational Background:
Graduated in 2020 from Fresno State with Bachelor's Degree in Ag Education, emphasizing in Plant Science. While in school they worked at the Fresno State Market and were a part of the Fresno State FFA Field Day Committee and FFA State Conference Committee.
Teaching Experience:
Initialed at Mendota High and taught Plant & Animal Anatomy & Physiology and Basic Fabrication.
Finaled at El Capitan High School and taught History of Floral Design, Ag Chemistry, Ag Earth, Introduction to Veterinary Science, and Welding. Was heavily involved in bringing and implementing sketchnoting in a variety of subjects like Ag Chemistry, Vet Science and Floral.
FFA Involvement:
While at both Mendota and El Capitan helped coach the Parliamentary Procedures teams and El Credo contestants. Helped with Opening and Closing Ceremonies team at El Capitan.
Skills and Specializations:
She really focused on Ag Science courses and worked to strengthen the implementation of sketchnotes and agriscience projects. She has gained experience in classroom management across various styles and with students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Future Goals:
After finishing her final student teaching, she plans to take a position as a floral or ag science teacher. As a teacher, her goal is to create an environment where students feel the classroom is a safe space—a second home. While awards and accolades are nice, she believes the foundation of the experience lies in the classroom. She aims to connect with and reach students from diverse and non-agricultural backgrounds, especially those who may find it difficult to come to school but look forward to attending her class. Ultimately, her focus is on being the best teacher she can be.
Personal Interests:
Her only tie to agriculture is through her parents and her school experience. Her dad is a foreman, and her mom is a seasonal tomato worker. However, her true understanding and appreciation for agriculture came from being introduced to it in school and through programs like FFA.
Outside of teaching and agriculture, she loves attending K-pop concerts. She is passionate about building community within fandoms and creating spaces for fans to enjoy outside of concerts. This passion led her and a friend to become K-pop cupsleeve event hosts. For over two years, they have organized events for their local community in Turlock, Merced, and Los Banos, allowing them to challenge themselves creatively. Sharing their love for music with the community brings her fulfillment beyond social media.