Across the United States, it’s typical for a university to require a semester of student teaching before becoming an agricultural education instructor. This is often considered one of the most important requirements to earn this degree. The semester provides hands-on experience in the classroom under the guidance of a current instructor.
Agriculture at an Early Age
Ainsley Delmore grew up on the Central Coast of California. From an early age, she was immersed in the world of agriculture since both her parents taught meat and food science courses at California Polytechnic State University. At the age of 11, her family moved to Colorado, where they continued to teach, but this time at Colorado State University.
“I really got exposed to a different side of agriculture,” says Delmore. “I grew up showing sheep in 4-H with my sister and got to be involved in our own little part of agriculture.”
After some time showing sheep, the sisters decided to start raising their own sheep, which were sold to local 4-H and FFA members. This gave them a chance to have their own start in agriculture.
Zipping up the Blue Corduroy Jacket
Once Delmore reached high school, she joined the Poudre FFA Chapter, where she remained extremely active for all four years.
“My FFA chapter was very new when I first started high school, so I got to be part of the journey of building the chapter and creating and starting traditions,” she says. “I got to see different parts of agriculture, meet people from all over the country and see the roles they have within it.”
Ainsley Delmore (center) with her parents, Robert and Lynn Delmore.
After high school and before college, she was elected to serve Colorado FFA as a state officer for the 2021-22 year.
“During this year of service, I was introduced to a whole new world of agriculture by getting to travel to places I’ve never been before and meet people who had such a passion for agriculture, just like myself,” Delmore says. “One of the roles the state officers play is to advocate for the agriculture industry and share their understanding with others. My officer team was also the first that got to live in the Colorado State University Spur building, and now the fifth team is currently moving in to Spur as well. State office allowed me the opportunity to meet so many different people. I met my best friend serving on my state officer team, and I’ve been able to keep many connections I made during that year.”
Ainsley Delmore with newly elected state officer Citlali Calixto (center) and cooperating teacher Sarah Madsen (right).
Swapping out Blue and Gold for Green and Gold
After five years in the blue jacket, Delmore was welcomed with open arms to Colorado State University, where she studied agricultural education with a concentration in teacher development. During this time, she seized every opportunity, which included being encouraged to study abroad by one of her professors, Dr. Kelly Enns.
Delmore spent six months in New Zealand with 23 other students. After that, she studied for one more semester before finding herself in the small farming town of Keenesburg, Colo. She spent a semester student teaching under the supervision of Sarah Madsen, advisor and instructor for the Weld Central FFA Chapter.
Ainsley Delmore alongside Professor Dr. Kelly Enns at her graduation.
“My favorite part was being able to mentor someone who was so eager to learn and also eager to inspire students,” Madsen says. “She was creative and brought excitement and joy to my classroom. She was my first student teacher and did a great job the whole semester, creating lessons with purpose for all types of students. By the end, she did a great job showing students the ‘why’ behind each and every lesson.”
During this semester, Delmore engaged in a variety of activities and events. These included coaching the Quiz Bowl team, going on field trips and teaching five different classes.
“I was so lucky to be placed at Weld Central High School with Sarah Madsen as my cooperating teacher,” Delmore says. “I might’ve had the perfect student teaching experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of teachers or students to have worked with.”
A New Chapter
Delmore officially graduated from Colorado State University in May 2025, and her future looks bright. She will be an instructor for the Roosevelt FFA program in northern Colorado. Joining this agricultural education program means it will expand from a two-teacher program to a three-teacher program — something that excites Delmore.
Madsen and Delmore smile while holding the Weld Central FFA chapter and corresponding district jackets.
As Delmore wraps up her time as an FFA member and college student, this is the advice she leaves to individuals either pursuing or considering agricultural education:
“Don’t be afraid of all the opportunities that are available to you — go at them with an open attitude and perspective. Student teaching is designed for you to try, explore, fail and succeed. This environment has people there to support you. There’s no need to fear what’s going on. Try something new, and if it doesn’t work out, switch it up at the end. Take all the opportunities that are provided to you. If I hadn’t taken the opportunity to study abroad, I wouldn’t have had that unique experience.”
