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Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education

Luz Denise Soto

Student Teacher

Area of Emphasis: Plant Science

Fall 2024 Initial Student Teaching Placement: Los Banos Pacheco High School

Spring 2025 Final Student Teaching Placement: Ceres High School

Luz Denise Soto recently graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelors in Agriculture Education in Spring 2024. She was inspired to pursue a career in this field after witnessing its profound impact on students, both in their understanding of agriculture and personal growth. What motivates Luz most is the way agricultural education fosters a deeper appreciation for the role of agriculture while empowering students to become stronger, more capable individuals. For Luz, combining practical skills and personal development makes agricultural education a powerful and transformative tool for shaping the next generation.

FFA played a pivotal role in shaping Luz’s decision to pursue a career in agricultural education. Her involvement in numerous Career Development Events (CDEs) and leadership conferences solidified her passion for the field. Luz's dedication to agricultural education is evident in her contributions to the Cotton CDE Team at Los Banos Pacheco, where she played a key role in helping the team earn their first State Championship title. Additionally, Luz has mentored approximately 28 students in starting their own SAE projects, guiding them through transplanting various flower varieties and maintaining garden beds on campus.

During her student teaching experience at Los Banos Pacheco, Luz taught one Ag Biology class and two Intro to Floral classes. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of student engagement, the value of a strong work ethic, and her passion for teaching. She will start her Final Student Teaching at Ceres High School. Luz’s ultimate goal as an agricultural educator is to inspire students to reach their full potential, push them to achieve their best, and make a lasting impact on their lives.

Outside of the classroom, Luz enjoys hiking, creating art, exploring new food, and loves to travel. Her passion for agriculture is also deeply rooted in her family’s long-standing involvement in the industry, which has inspired her throughout her life and continues to drive her commitment to the field.