Welcome to the 2025 class of Minnesota Agricultural Education Interns! These future agricultural educators are spending the summer working alongside experienced Minnesota agriculture teachers to gain real-world insight into teaching, FFA advising, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project support, and community engagement.
Starting Monday, June 9, the 2025 Minnesota Agricultural Education Interns will take over our social media channels to share their stories. Follow along to learn more about their professional growth, classroom experiences, and commitment to agricultural education.
This internship is made possible by generous support from Christensen Farms, CHS Inc., Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC), Compeer Financial, and AgCountry Farm Credit Services.
Elijah Doyamo
Elijah Doyamo is a senior at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. He’s focused on personal and professional growth this summer.
“Having familial connections to agriculture has made the profession very interesting to me. I have always had a deep passion for community and physical/chemical science, so when they are combined you have agricultural education. The rapid change and evolution of the industry makes it very interesting as the future becomes less predictable and more adventurous as a profession.”
- Most Excited to Teach: Biotechnology, Farm to Fork, Food Chemistry, Plant Systems
- College Course Highlight: General Chemistry II
- Internship Placement: Highland Park High School (St. Paul)
Amy Jentges
Amy Jentges is a senior at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. She’s excited to work with her cooperating teachers to explore planning strategies, program structure, and student support.
“Growing up surrounded by agriculture, I was disappointed to see how many students do not have access to agricultural education or are not knowledgeable about the industry of agriculture. I think everyone should understand the importance and impact of agriculture, and have access to agricultural education and FFA programming!”
- Most Excited to Teach: Intro to Ag, Middle School Ag, Animal Science
- College Course Highlight: Curriculum Design in Career and Technical Education
- Internship Placement: Zumbrota-Mazeppa & Lake City High Schools
Grace Mortenson
Grace Mortenson is a senior at West Texas A&M University. She’s working to expand her understanding of what it means to be an agriculture teacher beyond the classroom, particularly the responsibilities and activities that take place during the summer months.
“I’m passionate about agricultural education because I want to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives and support their growth as they prepare for the future. My goal is to create a classroom environment that is not only educational but also engaging and enjoyable. I hope to be a trusted and supportive figure for my students, someone they can rely on and who inspires them to learn, grow, and explore the opportunities within agriculture.”
- Most Excited to Teach: Intro to Animal Science, Livestock Production, Leadership
- College Course Highlight: Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE)
- Internship Placement: Glencoe-Silver Lake High School
Allison Offerdahl
Allison Offerdahl is a senior at the University of Minnesota - Crookston. As an intern, she’s excited to dive into teaching experiences, curriculum development, community engagement, and leadership training.
“Agricultural Education made a huge impact on my life. It gave a sense of purpose, belonging, and real-world engagement. Through my agriculture classes I was able to explore careers, prepare for college, and test my leadership skills. Agricultural education is important for students and this is my way of giving back.”
- Most Excited to Teach: Natural Resources, Horticulture, Food Science, Career Readiness
- College Course Highlight: Intro to Natural Resources
- Internship Placement: Albany & Holdingford High Schools
Kaylee Steele
Kaylee Steele is a senior at South Dakota State University. This summer, she’s excited to gain hands-on teaching experience and build meaningful connections with students.
“What drew me into agricultural education is the opportunity to combine my passion for agriculture with my desire to make a difference in students’ lives. Being involved in FFA showed me the power of hands-on learning, leadership development, and community. I’m excited to inspire students, just like my agriculture teachers inspired me.”
- Most Excited to Teach: Animal Sciences, Plant Sciences
- College Course Highlight: Livestock Breeding and Genetics
- Internship Placement: Chatfield High School
Meta Tewes
Meta Tewes is a senior at South Dakota State University. She’s looking forward to participating in events hosted by the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter and learning from a different program.
“I decided to go into agricultural education because when I was in high school, my advisor's son started to ask a lot of questions about my sheep and cattle. Through talking with him and educating about my livestock, I realized teaching is what I was meant to do.”
- Most Excited to Teach: Large Animal Science, Vet Tech, Companion Animals, Floral Design, Ag Leadership, Ag Business
- College Course Highlight: Studying abroad in South Africa and developing a Dr. Pepper brat in value-added meats class
- Internship Placement: Sleepy Eye High School
Supporting the Next Generation of Ag Educators
The 2025 Minnesota Agricultural Education Interns are passionate, driven, and ready to lead. This summer they will gain real-world experience in classrooms and communities across the state, learning what it means to teach, mentor, and inspire through agricultural education.
Starting June 9, follow their journeys as they share stories, support students, and shape the future of agriculture education in Minnesota.