Kayla Adams pours her heart into agriculture and into the students she teaches every day at Durant High School. “I love the agricultural industry and working with our youth which is our future leaders,” Adams said.
She and her husband share both a home and a program. “Jeremiah Adams – husband,” she said. Together they are raising three kids in the same community she serves. “Riggin (12), Tinley (8), and Dutton (4),” Adams said.
At Durant, her classroom touches nearly every grade in the building. “Durant High School,” she said of where she teaches. “Agricultural Education – eighth-twelfth grades – Ag 1, Ag 2, Horticultural and Animal Science.” This is her fifth year shaping students through ag education. “Five years,” Adams said of her time at Durant.
Her decision to go into education came from a passion that has never faded. “I love the agricultural industry and working with our youth which is our future leaders,” she said. Two advisors modeled the kind of impact she now strives to make. “Dale DeWitt and Steve DeWitt – my Agricultural Advisors,” Adams said of the teachers who influenced her as a student.
The best part of the job for her is seeing students realize what they are capable of. “I love watching students grow into leaders, and pushing them out of their comfort zone,” she said. “Students do not realize how talented they are until we push them, and I love the moment they grow and realize what they can and have accomplished.”
A simple philosophy guides her approach to the classroom and the barn. “Love kids, love agriculture, and the rest will take care of itself,” Adams said of the best advice she has received about teaching.
Away from school, she recharges close to home. “I love spending time with my family on our family farm!” she said.
Gratitude frames how she looks at her life and work. “I thank GOD everyday for the blessings in my life such as my family, friends, my Ag kids, and my job,” Adams said.
