News : New VS ag teacher Melissa Heeren was freshman in Mrs. Fleming\'s first class

Riley Ries introduced Melissa Heeren as the new VSHS Ag teacher and FFA co-advisor Saturday.

When Louise Fleming began her teaching career at Jesup High School, Melissa (Hinde) Heeren was among the freshmen in her ag class and the FFA. Three years later, Heeren was the only senior in Fleming’s classes.

By then, Fleming recalls, she was suggesting that Heeren become an ag teacher.

Heeren, however, had chosen veterinary science as her first career goal. She earned a degree in animal science.

But later, she realized she might prefer the course her teacher had suggested years ago.

She changed majors, and got her first job teaching AG and serving as the Gladbrook-Reinbeck FFA advisor.

On Saturday, FFA senior and past president Riley Ries introduced Mrs. Heeren and her husband Todd. Heeren will replace Fleming as the Ag teacher at VSHS next year, and share FFA advisor duties with her. Fleming will remain with the district, but is one of several instructional coaches who will be helping new teachers next year.

Heeren told the audience of FFA members, parents and community supporters that she is excited about the ag program at VS, including its ag learning lab ("The Barn") and greenhouse.

Mrs. Heeren's students at Gladbrook-Reinbeck also have a greenhouse; this year they learned to grow mushrooms.

Megan Hesson, who served as the co-advisor to the FFA this past year, is moving to a different educational position, pursuing her goal of becoming a high school math teacher.