Story by Mikhayla DeMott, (ACJ)
Jake Rutledge calls Dover, Kansas, home but his passion for agricultural education has taken him elsewhere, Beloit, Kansas, where he currently resides. This recent graduate is the new Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor at Beloit High School.
Rutledge’s job comes with joys and a few challenges. His greatest task is learning all there is to know about the program and its history, so he can figure out how to move the program into the future. Though the school year hasn’t started yet, he has already been able to work with students, his favorite part thus far.
“I’ve already got to work with students this summer and plan the upcoming year,” Rutledge says. “It is great to see how excited they are for the upcoming year.”
Each student speaks highly of all the communications and agricultural education faculty at K-State, including Rutledge. All of the agricultural education instructors have been influential during his education, he can’t just pick one.
“All of the instructors brought something different to the table and always went above and beyond for their students,” Rutledge says.
His student teaching experience was the most significant at K-State, it reassured him that being an agriculture teacher was the path he wanted to pursue. Students are highly encouraged to get involved in clubs on campus and Rutledge did just that with the Agricultural Education club. It gave him the opportunity to network with other students and industry professionals.
Rutledge is a Wildcat through and through. So, in his free time he enjoys supporting the ‘Cats. If he isn’t watching K-State sports, he can be found around his livestock.
Rutledge graduated this May with his degree in agricultural education and a minor in animal sciences and industry.
