Jacob Mendes

Spring 2025 Initial Student Teaching Placement: El Diamante High School 

Fall 2025 Final Student Teaching Placement: Golden West High School 

Jacob’s passion for agricultural education stems from his family’s deep involvement in the agriculture industry and the influence of exceptional high school teachers. Raised in a dairy farming family, he gained firsthand experience caring for livestock, operating and repairing equipment, and building meaningful connections within the agricultural community.

Jacob earned his undergraduate degree in the field of agricultural education from California State University, Fresno, where he found particular fulfillment in his agricultural mechanics and animal science courses. His leadership skills and content knowledge were demonstrated as chair for the 2024 California FFA Farm Power and Machinery State Finals.
He began his student teaching at El Diamante High School, instructing students in agricultural construction and technology. Currently, for his final student teaching placement, he is at Golden West High School, where he teaches Agricultural Mechanics 1-4 and Agricultural Science 1. 

FFA has been an integral part of Jacob’s professional growth. He coached a team in California’s inaugural Equipment Technician Contest and was proud to witness their significant development throughout the process.

Upon completing student teaching, Jacob plans to pursue a career as an agricultural mechanics teacher. His goal is to collaborate with community members to design curriculum that reflects local agricultural needs while fostering the skills and leadership qualities essential for the future of the industry.

Outside the classroom, Jacob enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, which connect him to the land and the agricultural way of life that has shaped his career and values.