[ACEL]: Hi Lori! Why did you select your major?
[Heiby]: I was raised on a farrow to finish swine and diversified crop farm in Mercer County, Ohio and was actively involved in the Coldwater FFA chapter so I decided to dual majored in agricultural education and animal sciences. I wanted to find a career that would allow me to remain involved in agriculture, as well as, help others understand the importance of agriculture. Teaching agricultural education at the high school level gives me a chance to do both while helping young people realize their potential and prepare for the future.
Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
When I was selecting a college, Ohio State had a reputation for a excellent agricultural education department so it was an easy decision.
How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
After completing my degree, I looked at some options in the animal sciences field but nothing seemed to really fit at the time. I guess down deep I knew what I really wanted to do was teach, so I began traveling the state looking for a teaching position.
What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I enjoyed a lot of my animal science and agriculture mechanics and systems classes. I really enjoyed my swine and sheep production classes, too. They were very hands-on and gave me a chance to get back into the barn and out of the classroom.
What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education?
The professor that probably had the greatest impact on my career was Dr. Cano. Dr. Cano was a graduate student when I began at Ohio State. He taught Introduction to Agricultural Education my first quarter and eventually my methods of teaching class. He really help me become more confident in my teaching and helped me realize that the classroom was where I really belonged.
What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first teaching job after graduation was at Vanguard-Sentinel Career Center in Fremont, Ohio. For the first two years, I spent the first half of the day as the second teacher at Lakota High School in Sandusky Coounty and the last half of the day at Old Fort High School in Seneca County. After two years, I became full-time at Old Fort High School.
For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career?
After teaching seven years with Vanguard-Sentinel, I moved to Spencerville High School for two years. I just started my 17th year at Wayne Trace High School in Paulding, Ohio.
As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
I have had many students accomplish great things so it is difficult to select a favorite. Every success is a highlight of its own. No matter if it was a student winning a district contest, being elected as State FFA President or being a National Proficiency finalist, all are moments I am very proud of.
What advice would you give to a current student?
Don’t be afraid to go where ever the job is. So many graduates today seem to be fixated on going back to their home area. The best thing I ever did, for my career, was take a job over two hours from home. It allowed me the chance to really concentrate on developing myself as a teacher and building a successful program.
What did ACEL cultivate in you?
It cultivated in me a pride for my profession, a desire to help and educate other, both young and old, about the importance of agriculture by allowing me a chance to learn the skills and gain the knowledge needed to do so.
