Zachary High Teacher of the Week: Kathy Conerly

Hometown: Gonzales

Currently resides in: Zachary

High School attended: East Ascension High School

Family: Husband - Brent; kids - Noelle, Lauren and Sean; grandson - Bradon

Years in education: 29

Years at ZHS: 29

Subjects taught: Agriscience I, II, II and Ag Internship courses

Clubs/Sports/Organizations: Future Farmers of America (FFA)

Education: Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture), BS in Ag Education and an MS Vocational Education - all from LSU. Conerly is also a Nationally Board Certified Teacher.

What was it that led you to teaching AgriScience?

"Initially, I started working at a few nurseries and then did about three years of research for the USDA, but I wasn't satisfied. I needed more intellectual stimulation. It was my cousin, actually, who got me interested in teaching."

What do you enjoy most about your job?

"Well, the subject matter for one. I also like the hands-on aspect of AgriScience...and the classroom instruction. I love it all!

"I also really enjoy watching my students grow as they learn new things both inside and outside the classroom."

Do you have a teaching philosophy or life lesson you try to instill in your students?

"Well, all of the labs in my classes - the greenhouses, gardens, small animals, aquaculture - they all provide experiences for problem-solving, following instructions, team-building and social skills that carry these kids into their careers. I really encourage that.

Also, in FFA the students develops leadership and citizenship traits for personal development."

Do you have any hobbies?

"Yes! I enjoy traveling - especially to national parks - hiking, photography, reading and gardening."

Teacher’s favorites...

Book - Anything by Dan Brown

Movie - Harry Potter movies

Restaurant - Sammy’s Grill, Francois’ Cafe

Name something your students would be surprised to know about you?

"That I love music and love to dance - oldies as well as some of the current music."

If you could do anything else as a profession, what would it be and why?

"I tease that I'll be a Walmart greeter when I retire, so I can see all my former students. Actually, I'd love to do something else in agriculture or the environmental field."

Do people always come to you for gardening advice?

"A lot of them do. I enjoy sharing ideas and learning new techniques from them. Last year at our Spring Plant Sale, several plant enthusiasts in the community shared really interesting plants. It was fun."

What do you have planted in your own garden?

"Not much. I spend so much time with school-related activities and our FFA chapter that I don't have time to do much more than maintain what I have.

"I am proud of my fruit trees, though. We have fig, blueberries, satsuma and a couple of orange trees. I have a small vegetable garden that I fight the squirrels over. I also love my orchids."

Do you believe anyone can learn to garden? Even those who do not have "green" thumbs?

"Absolutely! It's just a matter of learning what a plant needs to grow and providing it - just like raising an animal."

You mentioned earlier in the interview that you have animal labs and aquaculture. What's going on there?

"We don't just raise plants in the Ag department. We actually have a small animal lab with a variety of exotic pets and an aquaculture lab where we are currently raising hybrid bream."