Beyond the Jacket: How Two Teachers are Impacting FFA Member’s Lives, One Step at a Time
(Left to Right) Laura Brecht and Kristy Thomann posing with Ms. Brecht’s Golden Owl Award.
Within a school district in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, two educators are paving the way for the future of agriculture. Laura Brecht and Kristy Thomann are both the Cedar Rapids Prairie FFA Advisors, they share the agricultural program at the school – teaching students how to interact within the agricultural industry. Cedar Rapids is located in a largely urban area, where most students have not interacted with agriculture, let alone know what the industry does for consumers on a day-to-day basis.
Kristy Thomann is the teacher for all incoming freshman into the program at Cedar Rapids Prairie. Thomann states that when students enter her classroom, she treats their agricultural knowledge on the “same playing field”. This helps her students all gain knowledge in different areas, while learning the curriculum at the same pace. Thomann starts off her classes with a “welcome survey: for students. Thomann states “students tell me what they know about agriculture currently, any personal connections they have with the industry and what they want to learn about throughout the class”. The survey helps Thomann gain a baseline on where to start and how much knowledge the students have on the industry, prior to entering the class.
(Left to Right) Laura Brecht and Kristy Thomann in FFA gear.
Laura Brecht is the head advisor for the chapter and has had an amazing year of accomplishments herself. Brecht recently served at Iowa’s 2025-2026 Southeast District Advisor, guiding a team of 7 individuals on how to lead their respective district. Brecht had also received the “Golden Owl Award” representing her impact on her FFA members. Brecht says what sets the chapter apart is her members “drive” to be involved and do well within events. Brecht also says that the community around the district helps fuel members passions, while giving them hands on experiences. Brecht speaks on how she sees students gain opportunities such as internships and jobs through community involvement.
The two advisors have helped develop Cedar Rapid Prairie’s strong FFA program. Helping to integrate students into the agricultural industry and ensuring they come out as educated consumers is only some of the achievements this chapter has accomplished. Through Laura Brecht and Kristy Thomann’s hard work – the chapter will continue to educate members and bring new perspectives to agriculture.
