This past week, Minnesota Teach Ag's social media took on a new energy as Grace Mortenson, one of our 2025 Agricultural Education Interns, shared behind-the-scenes stories from her summer internship. A Minnesotan studying at West Texas A&M University, Grace is spending her summer interning with Glencoe-Silver Lake High School’s agriculture program and FFA chapter under the mentorship of Ms. Rebekka Paskewitz. Her one-week takeover gave followers a front-row seat to the hands-on learning, leadership, and travel experiences shaping her path to becoming an agriculture teacher.
From Classroom Learning to Cross Country Travel
Grace started her takeover by reflecting on her time in the classroom observing Ms. Paskewitz as the school year came to a close. She helped students prepare proficiency award applications, reviewed the chapter’s National Chapter Award application, and spent time planting dahlias in the school greenhouse.
But the real adventure began when she joined 17 students and fellow chaperones on the GSL Summer Agriculture Tour to Tennessee. The trip included educational and cultural stops like Claiborne Farm, the final resting place of Secretariat, UT Knoxville, and the Tri State Peak Trail where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet.
Connecting Agriculture to Culture
Grace’s updates from Tennessee blended agricultural literacy, career exploration, and fun. At UT Knoxville, she explored turf grass research and visited with faculty to learn more about collegiate agriculture programs. In Nashville, students had a choice between visiting the Johnny Cash Museum or the Country Music Hall of Fame. Later, they toured a dairy goat farm that makes and sells cheese on site, offering students a firsthand look at value added agriculture.
Cultural experiences rounded out the trip, including visits to the Gatlinburg SkyPark, a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, and an evening at a murder mystery dinner.
As Grace shared, “We had an absolute blast exploring agriculture in a whole new setting.”
Gaining Confidence and Building Skills
Back in Minnesota, Grace is excited to continue building her confidence and experience as an aspiring agriculture teacher. She is looking forward to:
- Planning and leading GSL’s FFA Officer Retreat in July
- Creating engaging agriculture literacy lessons for the upcoming school year
- Growing her welding skills
- Joining her mentor on summer SAE visits
Looking Ahead
Grace’s social media takeover offered an inspiring look into the diverse and meaningful work of an agricultural education intern. From helping students succeed in the classroom to representing agricultural education across state lines, Grace is making the most of every opportunity to grow as a future educator.
Follow along with Teach Ag MN for more intern spotlights and stories from the next generation of agriculture teachers.