Former Area Student Starts Job As Watford City Middle School Ag Teacher

The Watford City Middle School recruited a new middle school agriculture teacher for the 2021-2022 school year. Grace Dragseth, a 2021 graduate of North Dakota State University, started as the new agricultural teacher and FFA advisor Aug. 25. 

With this position she teaches grades 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students the various units related to plants/crops, equine science, livestock, wildlife and natural resources, shop and tool safety, woodworking, and horticulture.

Her teaching method focuses on hands-on and project-based learning to the students at Watford City Middle School.

Dragseth said, "I believe that it is so very important for children to get that hands-on experience in school; it makes learning more fun and engaging."

Dragseth graduated from Fairview High School in 2017 and was active in both area 4-H and FFA chapters. 

"My whole life growing up has revolved around agriculture; living on a cattle ranch, being an active member in 4-H, starting the Fairview FFA chapter, and showing horses and cattle" said Dragseth. 

She was also a former CWE student at the MSU Richland County Extension Office in Sidney. She said, "This position helped me determine my major in Ag education and minor in agricultural extension."

She pursued the career of an agricultural teacher because she believes that agriculture is one of the most important subjects for school. She said, "It is a big part of western North Dakota with all of the oil production, farming, and ranching. I also felt like teaching agriculture was my true calling. I have a knack for agriculture and a way with children; a way of inspiring and obtaining a connection with all students."

Dragseth plans to give her students unlimited opportunities not only in the classroom but within FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experiences.

She added, "I hope to be able to cater to all of my students' interests as that's what will ultimately make them successful for the future."