San Benito High School teacher Kelly Bianchi relates everything
her students learn back to agriculture.
Hollister – San Benito High School teacher Kelly Bianchi relates everything her students learn back to agriculture.
When they learn about the role of observation in the scientific method, she brings in a rabbit for them to observe. When discussing genetics, she teaches students how to breed brown cows, or extract DNA from a strawberry.
“Students really like the hands-on stuff,” Bianchi said. “It gives them an opportunity to actually apply what they’ve learned in the classroom.”
More San Benito High School students are in the agriculture classroom than ever before, thanks in part to Bianchi’s leadership. Last year Bianchi, who has been teaching at SBHS for three years, became the sixth woman in 27 years to be named California’s top Future Farmers of America Adviser, a distinction of which she is justifiable proud.
Bianchi now has twice as many students and twice as much help as she did last year. During the 2004-2005 school year, only about 100 students signed up for agriculture classes, but this year, Bianchi has 200 students and help from one of her former students, Renee Willey, the school’s newest Ag teacher.
Having another teacher means Bianchi can offer twice as many classes and extracurricular activities. Even though the school’s agriculture program is bigger than ever, Bianchi and Willey have plans to expand it even further.
They are discussing adding another agriculture mechanics class, an equine sciences class and an introductory veterinary sciences class.
Students are drawn to agriculture classes because they are interested in the subject matter and have a desire to do more hands-on activities, Bianchi said. And Ag classes teach students about more than just farming.
“These students are learning skills that will prepare them for the future, no matter what they choose to do with their lives,” she said. “Not all of them grow up on the farm. Many students just have an interest in what we’re teaching.”
Leadership, communication and teamwork are three of the most important skills students can learn in Ag classes, Bianchi said.
Bianchi does nearly as much teaching outside of the classroom as she does inside. Her job includes helping FFA students raise, feed and care for animals and taking students to dozens of FFA competitions each year. Working with students at FFA competitions, livestock auctions and other extracurricular activities is one of the best parts of her job.
“(Such events) are fun because you teach them what you know and then you get to see them show off what they have learned,” Bianchi said. “And students really look forward to these competitions.”
Bianchi is modest about her achievements, but parents and school administrators clearly recognize the professional work she has done to improve the high school’s agriculture department.
Alda Silveira, the mother of two of Bianchi’s students, believes San Benito High School is lucky to have such a great teacher.
“The Ag department was kind of going down the tubes, and when Kelly came in enrollment went way up,” Silveira said. “She’s there for the kids in the classroom and out on the farm – she’s always there for them, no matter what. My daughter would not be where she is today if it wasn’t for Kelly.”
SBHS Superintendent Jean Burns Slater said one of her first tasks as superintendent was to find a quality Ag teacher to rebuild the school’s program.
“We’re so pleased to have her here, she has clearly built up the Ag program,” Slater said. “She’s connecting students with agriculture, which is the basis of the San Benito County’s history and a great deal of our employment and economy.”
Brett Rowland covers education for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or
br******@fr***********.com
