Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education
Alyssa Zipser
Alyssa Zipser
Student Teacher
Area of Emphasis: Plant Science
Spring 2026 Final Student Teaching Placement: Hilmar High School
Alyssa Zipser was inspired to pursue a career in agricultural education through her upbringing in the agricultural industry and the lasting impact of her high school agriculture teacher. She earned her undergraduate degree in May 2025 from California State University, Fresno, with an emphasis in Plant Science, graduating Magna Cum Laude. One course in particular, PLANT 40 with Professor Nishinaka, further solidified her passion for plant science. Hands-on experiences in the greenhouse, such as taking cuttings, along with educational field trips, helped her realize this was the path she wanted to pursue.
Alyssa completed her initial student teaching placement at Thomas Downey High School in Modesto, where she taught Agricultural Mechanics, Ornamental Horticulture, and co-taught Floral Design. She is currently completing her final student teaching placement at Hilmar High School in Hilmar, where she will be teaching two periods of Agricultural Environmental Science, Agricultural Exploratory (8th grade), Floral Design, and Agricultural Mechanics. She is excited to help coach CDE teams and work with students on their swine SAE projects. These experiences have strengthened her instructional skills and reinforced the importance of experiential, hands-on learning in agricultural education.
Her primary area of specialization within agricultural education is plant science. She has experience guiding students through projects focused on plant growth, care, and production, allowing students to apply classroom concepts in meaningful ways. Following the completion of her final student teaching placement, Alyssa’s career goal is to secure a teaching position where she can inspire students and foster a passion for agriculture. In addition, she plans to begin a master’s degree to continue growing professionally and to provide her future students with an impactful agricultural education.
Agriculture is deeply rooted in Alyssa’s personal life as well. She and her family operate a family swine farm, breeding swine to be sold to 4-H and FFA members for local county fairs. She spends much of her time mentoring youth with their projects and assisting with the daily operations of the farm. Outside of agriculture, Alyssa enjoys visiting Monterey, hiking in Yosemite, and pursuing a new hobby of snowboarding.