Name: Sara Casto
Age: 26
Position/School: Greenon High School agriculture education teacher
Education: 2008 graduate of Mississinawa Valley High School, 2012 graduate of The Ohio State University
Family: Husband - Josh, propane manager at Lena Ag Center; our 3-year-old black lab, Scarlet, and expecting our first baby in January!
Where do you live? We just bought a home outside of Springfield
Where did you grow up? I grew up on my family’s livestock and grain production farm near New Weston, Ohio.
How long have you taught at Greenon High School? This is my first year!
What’s your favorite thing about teaching VoAg? I enjoy teaching agricultural education because it includes all subjects — reading, writing, science, math, history, record-keeping and technology — all in a hands-on way! The agricultural education program offers students opportunities for learning through leadership as members of the National FFA Organization, and through their supervised agriculture experience or SAE. Each student develops their SAE, by relating their interests to agriculture, then improves record-keeping skills by keeping track of their income, expenses, and hours.
Describe your teaching philosophy in 25 words or less: Students today need real-world learning experiences. Through the use of technology, educators can teach life-long learning skills and a passion for constant self-improvement.
What one word best describes you? Organized
What’s your greatest achievement as a teacher so far? This is a hard question. There are many times that come to mind. When a student volunteers to help on their free time, says thank you after an especially rough day or says, ‘I think I want to be an Ag Teacher…’ would have to be at the top of the list.
Why is VoAg education important in today’s world? Agriculture education is important in today’s world because the agriculture industry provides the food, fiber and fuel for the world. Right now, one in seven Ohioans have an agriculture-related job. With an expected world population of over 9 billion by 2050, we will need to double our food supply. We have to continue to make food production efficient and effective, while keeping consumers at the forefront of the operation. There are many opportunities for careers for students in agriculture. From research, development, and engineering, to education, politics, communications, and marketing, the agriculture industry has a place for every student to use their individual skills to make our world the best place for our future.
What are your favorite hobbies? Cheering on Ohio State football, reading, baking
What’s your favorite movie or TV show? NCIS and The Big Bang Theory
What’s your hidden talent? Bargain shopping
Who would you most like to meet? Eleanor Roosevelt
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