Married to the Mission: How Two FFA Advisors Maximize Their Impact
Stephanie and Jordan Donnerbauer with their children.
Jordan Donnerbauer, a current agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at the Stanley-Boyd School District, and Stephanie Donnerbauer, a current agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at the Loyal School District, are two key leaders who personify the values of Wisconsin FFA and truly bring the organization to life in their communities.
The Donnerbauers guide through example, dedication and sacrifice. They inspire their students and FFA members to become the best versions of themselves and to strive for success. Now, how did they become involved in the organization, and how do they continue to maximize their impact as advisors?
Jordan Donnerbauer with his 2025-26 chapter officer team.
Jordan Donnerbauer’s Journey and Impact in FFA
Jordan Donnerbauer has always had an interest in agriculture, and he knew he wanted to do something in the agricultural field. He joined FFA as a freshman and enjoyed all of his agricultural classes, then wanted to take his passion a step further by becoming a chapter officer for two years.
He also did some tutoring through the National Honor Society and loved having the opportunity to teach others. His two agriculture teachers inspired him to become an agricultural teacher, and so he pursued a degree in agricultural education from the Wisconsin University of River Falls. He taught for three years at the Rushford-Peterson School District in Minnesota, and 18 years at the Stanley-Boyd School District.
Jordan appreciates his role in educating others about agriculture, food and natural resources. The variety in his courses and students ensures that no day is like another. As a teacher, he has students from varying backgrounds, races, cultures and home lives. He prioritizes and institutes equal treatment, making connections and staying positive and enthusiastic, while providing the same safe learning environment to everyone where they are supported.
“My favorite thing about being an FFA advisor is to see FFA members succeed, step outside their comfort zones and grow as leaders,” he says.
One of Jordan’s favorite projects he implemented while teaching was advancing the school land. When he first started his job, the Stanley-Boyd School District had just purchased it, and it was all woods, fields and wetlands. Today, however, it comprises trails, a pavilion, an orchard and a pond with a dock, making it a true outdoor learning center.
Jordan continues to leave a lasting impact throughout Wisconsin FFA. He leads a strong chapter, and has encouraged one of his students, Taniele Ducommun, to run for Wisconsin FFA state office. Through his support, Ducommun currently serves as the Section 2 state FFA vice president.
Jordan says much of the chapter’s success comes from the work of his strong officer teams, who set and live up to high standards. “If we are going to do something in FFA, we are going to give it our all,” he adds. “Our FFA chapter has a strong tradition of excellence, which is communicated and implemented year after year.”
Stephanie Donnerbauer’s Journey and Impact in FFA
Stephanie Donnerbauer with her 2024-25 senior chapter officers.
Stephanie Donnerbauer joined FFA in middle school, and she was encouraged by her agriculture teacher to get active in everything from career and leadership development events to community service. After becoming her advisor’s teaching assistant her junior year of high school, she got a behind-the-scenes look at how the program ran, and she loved the idea of going down this career path.
Once Stephanie’s advisor found out that she was interested, she one day put her in charge of the lesson. The confidence her advisor had in her inspired Stephanie to continue her FFA and agriculture journey by becoming an agricultural teacher. Stephanie has taught at the Gilman School District for one year, and at the Loyal School District for 11 years.
Stephanie believes it is crucial to make a connection with each of her students and to make her classroom welcoming to everyone. She wants her students to know that they are important and respected, which leads to a positive learning environment. Stephanie also takes pride in watching her students succeed.
“My favorite part about being an agricultural teacher is seeing students that may not excel in other areas academically excel in my classroom,” she says. “Agriculture is a place where everyone could find belonging, whether they enjoy plants, animals, natural resources or so much more.”
Many of Stephanie’s favorite moments happen in the greenhouse. Her students enjoy getting out of the traditional classroom to engage in hands-on activities. According to Stephanie, her chapter runs hydroponic systems, propagates plants, creates succulent fairy gardens, grows products to sell in the spring and produces all the baskets and planters used on the community’s Main Street. Students take great pride in the products they grow, and actively help promote their sales. These projects allow students to experience the full learning process, from planting a seed, to caring for its growth, and producing a high-quality, sellable product.
The impact Stephanie has had on her students is evident; she has even inspired some of her FFA members to become Wisconsin state officers, one being Parker Smith, the current Section 7 state FFA vice president. Stephanie also enjoys connecting with graduates of the program.
“They continue to motivate me because of the skills they gained and are using in their current careers,” she says. “Knowing that they credit their successes to the time they spent in FFA motivates me to continue to build a strong FFA program.”
Jordan and Stephanie Donnerbauer with Taniele Ducommun, Section 2 state vice president, and Parker Smith, Section 7 state vice president.
