The 2026 Minnesota Agricultural Education Intern spotlight series continues with Ellie Hoffman, an agricultural education student at North Dakota State University. This summer, Ellie is interning at Hawley Public Schools with mentor teachers Laura Morken and Kaylee Rudolph.
Ellie is from Brainerd, Minnesota, where she was actively involved in the Brainerd FFA Chapter throughout high school. This fall, she will begin her senior year at NDSU, and next spring she will student teach in Wadena, Minnesota.
Throughout the summer, Ellie has been developing curriculum outlines, helping prepare new middle and high school agriculture classrooms, assisting with summer FFA activities, and learning what it truly means to be an agricultural educator.
Drawn to Teaching Agriculture
Ellie’s path toward agricultural education was shaped by her involvement in FFA and the strong influence of her advisors. Through those experiences, she saw how agriculture teachers help students build confidence, explore opportunities, and better understand the role agriculture plays in their everyday lives.
“Agricultural education offers countless opportunities and allows individuals to be part of shaping the future of agriculture,” Ellie shared. “Being able to see students’ faces light up when they learn something new or finally understand a concept is one of the main reasons I chose to pursue education.”
For Ellie, teaching agriculture is also about helping others understand why the industry matters.
“Having the opportunity to teach others about what agriculture is and why it is important is something I value deeply,” Ellie shared.
Learning Through Hawley FFA
During her Teach Ag Minnesota takeover, Ellie shared a look at a busy summer with Hawley FFA. At the Clay County Fair, members competed in the Tractor Contest, showcased livestock projects, and helped run the Hawley FFA malt stand.
The malt stand also gave members a way to connect with the community. Hawley FFA was even interviewed by WDAY TV about the extreme heat at the fair and how the malt stand was helping fairgoers cool off.
“It was a great opportunity to share our chapter with the community and showcase the impact FFA members have both inside and outside the classroom,” Ellie shared.
Getting Ready for the School Year
Ellie also helped welcome students and families during the Hawley Middle School Open House. She spent time in the new agriculture classroom, answered questions about the program, and shared what students can look forward to in agriculture, food and natural resource classes this fall.
“One of my favorite parts of the day was meeting the incoming students who will be taking agriculture classes,” Ellie shared. “It was exciting to see how eager they are for the new school year, and I can’t wait to see them back in the classroom this fall!”
She also helped prepare for the Hawley FFA chapter officer retreat, where officers planned for the upcoming school year, set goals, and brainstormed ways to make this year even stronger.
Carrying the Experience Forward
As Ellie wrapped up her Teach Ag Minnesota takeover, she reflected on how much the internship has helped her grow.
“This internship has helped me grow both personally and professionally,” Ellie shared. “From preparing curriculum and classrooms to working with FFA members and connecting with the community, every experience has strengthened my passion for agricultural education and confirmed that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Ellie is grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and support she has received from Laura and Kaylee throughout the summer. As she heads into her senior year at NDSU and prepares for student teaching this spring, she will carry these experiences with her into her future classroom.
Follow along with Teach Ag Minnesota as more 2026 agricultural education interns share their summer experiences and celebrate the future of agricultural education in Minnesota.