Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education
Melanie Wolf
Melanie Wolf
Student Teacher
Area of Emphasis: Animal Science
Spring 2026 Final Student Teaching Placement: Modesto High School
Melanie Wolf was inspired to pursue a career in agricultural education through positive experiences in her high school agriculture program. Her floral design teacher played a major role in helping her discover her passion for the agriculture industry, while her involvement in 4-H and FFA, particularly showing rabbits and sheep at the Stanislaus County Fair and competing in speaking contests, helped build her confidence and sense of belonging. These experiences, along with her grandfather’s influence and his love for livestock, motivated Melanie to give back to the industry that has shaped who she is today.
Melanie earned her undergraduate degree in Agricultural Education with an emphasis in Animal Science from California State University, Fresno (Go Dogs!). Courses at Modesto Junior College (MJC), such as sheep and poultry science, along with classes at Fresno State including beef production and livestock reproduction, greatly influenced her path. Hands-on learning experiences at the MJC and Fresno State poultry and sheep units further reinforced my belief in “learning by doing”.
Melanie Wolf completed her initial student teaching at Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, where she taught intro to agriscience courses and assisted with sheep projects as well as officer meetings. She is completing her final student teaching at Modesto High School, where she will be teaching floral design, ornamental horticulture, intro to agricultural mechanics, and agriscience, as well as coach a Best Informed Greenhand team.
Melanie's primary area of specialization within agricultural education is animal science. Through student teaching, she has developed strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills while unlocking her “teacher voice”. Melanie’s end goal is to become a high school agricultural science teacher and promote agricultural literacy by making agriculture meaningful and accessible to students. Outside of teaching, she enjoys stand-up paddleboarding, reading, baking, and traveling. She is excited to continue growing as an educator and make a lasting impact on the future of agriculture.