Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education
Erica Fierro
Student Teacher
Area of Emphasis: Animal Science
Fall 2024 Final Student Teaching Placement: Monache High School
Erica initially aspired to be a veterinarian, but clinic experiences and volunteering revealed her passion for educating pet owners on animal care. Working with the hog and lamb show teams deepened her appreciation for guiding students through learning moments, leading her to pursue a career in agricultural education.
She graduated from College of the Sequoias in 2020 with AAs in Mathematics and Science, Animal Science, Teaching Preparation, and Communication, then earned a BS in Agricultural Education with an Animal Science emphasis from Fresno State. An event that influenced her career shift was a 4-H judging contest at COS, where she found joy in expanding young minds' animal science vocabulary.
During her initial student teaching at Visalia Technical Early College, she taught Plant Science and co-taught Farm Management. At Monache High School, she taught Ag Mechanics 1 and 2, Ag Biology, Ag Earth and Space, and Farm Management. Learning to step back from hands-on teaching was one of her biggest challenges. Her freshmen receive packets to complete per subject, while upperclassmen complete notes on Google Classroom. As an initial student teacher, she helped coach the swine and cattle show teams and coached citrus and impromptu speaking. As a final student teacher, she supported various SAE projects and now helps coach the cotton team, with plans to coach ag banking.
Erica’s college years were focused on animal science, yet her student teaching experience has spanned multiple subjects, including plant science, her comfort zone. She hopes to secure a teaching position in animal science, plant science, or mechanics, aiming to foster inclusivity and engagement in her future classrooms.
As a single mom, Erica treasures time with her daughter and family, though she only has her daughter every other week. Unique in her family for her agricultural connection, Erica is otherwise surrounded by relatives in nursing.