(KIWA Staff Photo)
Statewide Iowa (RI) — Iowa’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, Melanie Bloom of Sioux Rapids, recently talked with the state Board of Education about her travels throughout the state.
Bloom says students need more education on the wide range of careers available to them. She says when asking students about careers, most could only name what their parents do.
Bloom says her findings in Iowa are typical of students nationally.
Bloom says schools can do a better job helping students look ahead.
Bloom teaches agriculture in the Sioux Central Community School District and says many Iowans still don’t realize students can take agriculture classes in high school.
Bloom says she believes every teacher can be a career-connected educator with a little training.
