Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education
Sara Heinrichs
Student Teacher
Area of Emphasis: Plant Science
Fall 2024 Final Student Teaching Placement: Mendota High School
Sara's family inspired her to pursue a career in agricultural education. Growing up around agriculture, she was deeply influenced by her grandpa's custom harvesting business, which exposed her to various aspects of the agricultural world. Attending Clovis East High School allowed Sara to take agricultural classes, where she realized she could apply what she learned from helping her grandpa in the field to assist her classmates. This experience solidified her desire to become an agriculture teacher.
After high school, Sara attended Reedley Community College to fulfill her undergraduate requirements before transferring to Fresno State. She completed her initial student teaching at Sanger High School, teaching Floral, Ag Biology, and Small Gas and Diesel Engine. Currently, she is in her final student teaching at Mendota High School, where she teaches Ag Chemistry, Animal/Plant Physiology, Basic Fabrication, Ag Construction, and Ag Biology. Despite her strong background in plant and crop science, she has faced challenges due to her limited experience in certain subjects.
The supportive staff at her student-teaching schools has been invaluable in helping her succeed. Sara has actively participated in events like the Big Fresno Fair, assisting sheep and swine students and leading an Opening/Closing team. Her goal is to create a positive learning environment in agricultural education. Outside of teaching, Sara enjoys visiting local dirt tracks with her family, reading books, and watching movies. With family ties to agriculture, she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field.