Kevin Manzanarez with one of his animal science classes outside Apex Friendship High School during student teaching.

Kevin Manzanarez didn’t always picture himself becoming an agriculture teacher. Instead, his journey into agricultural education was shaped by experiences, connections and opportunities that helped him realize what he wanted to do.

While his path was not always clear, one thing was certain: “I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher,” he says. That clarity grew stronger when Manzanarez took his first agricultural science class, before it was changed to foundations. “That experience allowed me to truly explore my interests, and I loved it,” he says. The hands-on environment left a lasting impression and helped him realize that agricultural education brought together everything he was passionate about. “I wanted something that brought both of my passions together, teaching and agriculture, and agricultural education did exactly that,” he says.

Manzanarez during his graduation in December 2025. He served as an agricultural education teacher while completing his final semester of college.

Although Manzanarez was only an FFA member for one year, the impact of that experience was significant. “That single year provided me with experiences and opportunities that I will remember for a lifetime,” he says. As a freshman, he challenged himself by serving as a class officer and becoming involved in chapter activities. “I loved every part of FFA, from attending meetings to helping with fundraisers at the local farmers market in Silk Hope,” he says.

Through that experience, Manzanarez saw firsthand how powerful of an impact FFA can have on members. He credits much of his motivation to become an agriculture teacher to the educators who influenced him along the way. “My biggest inspiration came from my own agriculture teachers and seeing what could be possible for me,” he says. 

That inspiration continued to grow during his time as a student teacher and through other field experiences. “Being in those classrooms showed the type of program I could create, what it could look like and what it could become,” Manzanarez says. Hands-on learning and the opportunity to build meaningful spaces for students fueled his passion. “I was excited about the animals, the hands-on learning and simply having a space to call my own,” Manzanarez said.

However, he emphasizes that the support of others made the greatest difference. “My biggest motivating factors were my advisors and colleagues throughout my journey,” he says. “They continued to push me and motivate me, even during times when I felt like I had nothing else going for me.”

Manzanarez and Ms. Nealy from Athens Drive High School at Green Level High School during student teaching. Both now serve as Wake County agricultural education teachers.

As a first-year teacher, Manzanarez took over an existing FFA chapter, Enloe Magnet FFA, that had only been established two years earlier. Despite its status as an existing chapter, the experience felt like starting from scratch. “In many ways, it felt like starting a brand-new chapter,” he says. “There were some resources, but no materials, and little structure.”

Rebuilding after the former teacher’s abrupt departure brought challenges, but also opportunities for growth. “The easiest part has been the ability to create a new frame for the chapter, deciding who we want to be, what works best for our students and being open to change,” Manzanarez says. The hardest part, however, was navigating the process with limited experience. “I have learned to give myself grace and understand that growth takes time,” he says.

Today, Manzanarez finds joy in the daily experiences of the agriculture classroom. “My favorite part of being an agriculture teacher is the hands-on learning we get to do in class and working with the animals,” he says. He enjoys knowing that students can expect something new each day, keeping them engaged and excited to learn.

Manzanarez with members of his chapter officer team at Enloe Magnet High School while visiting Sanderson High School for a regional event.

At the same time, Manzanarez acknowledges the challenges that come with the profession. “The biggest challenge is balancing all of the responsibilities outside of teaching, like competitions, paperwork, events and program management,” he says.

Despite the challenges, Manzanarez believes agricultural education is about far more than content. “It is about building relationships, creating opportunities and giving students a space to belong,” he says. For him, the reward comes from “watching students grow in confidence, skill and leadership,” he says. “This makes every challenge worth it.”

Through dedication, resilience and passion for serving students, Manzanarez continues to cultivate opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom, preparing the next generation of leaders in agriculture.