We enjoyed chatting with our friend and high school floral educator, Courtney Champagne, to learn about her journey of teaching floristry to high school students and the innovative approaches she implements in her classroom. Beyond her educator role, Courtney advocates for change and collaboration within the FFA (Future Farmers of America) community. Learn about her efforts to provide essential resources and create a nationwide support network for FFA teachers with our official recap blog!
Growing up, Courtney enjoyed participating in the FFA classes as a student and admired her teacher. 15 years later, she is teaching agriculture science to herself and inspiring future generations to pursue a career in floristry. She teaches about 100 students each year through different levels of study. The beginning classes learn the fundamental art of floristry, and her advanced students actually run their own in-school floral shop, The Tiger Lilly.
Courtney needed to find a resource to help organize her classroom and provide real-world experiences for her students. She asked her good friend Ace Berry of Fulshear Floral Designs what she would recommend, and he said one word... Details! From there, she has been such a strong advocate of our software that she has helped promote it to fellow teachers nationwide. Learn more about Courtney's journey using Details in her classroom in this blog!
Innovative and hands-on projects form the cornerstone of Courtney's teaching philosophy. From designing floral arrangements for community events to exploring sustainable horticulture practices, her students are continually engaged in practical applications of their learning. Courtney integrates cutting-edge technology to enhance learning experiences, ensuring her students are well-prepared for the digital age while preserving the artistry of floristry.
-1.png?width=800&height=500&name=Untitled%20design%20(9)-1.png)
Photo Credits: Haley Kays Photography (top left); Britain Masters Photography (top center, bottom left, bottom center); Bluebonnet Co. Photography (top right); Be As You Are Photography (bottom right)
The success of Courtney's floristry program is evident not only in the skills her students acquire but also in their achievements. Many of her graduates have pursued careers in floristry and horticulture, a testament to the program's impact in nurturing future industry professionals.
Floristry Educators and FFA Support
Recognizing the need for support and resources in the FFA community, Courtney has been instrumental in creating a robust support network for fellow educators. Through workshops, retreats like "Cultivated Blooms," and ongoing collaboration, Courtney empowers FFA teachers to enrich their programs and foster student success.
At "Cultivated Blooms," educators gather to exchange ideas, refine teaching techniques, and discuss industry trends. This retreat not only provides professional development but also cultivates a sense of community among floristry educators nationwide.
Looking forward, Courtney aims to expand her floristry program's reach and impact. Her goals include enhancing curriculum resources, advocating for the integration of floristry into more school programs, and strengthening partnerships with industry professionals to provide enriching opportunities for her students. She has a growing network on Facebook called Floral Teachers of America where teachers can network, share ideas, and grow their programs with the support of teachers from all over the nation.
Supporting High School Floristry Programs
For educators and industry professionals looking to support high school floristry programs, Courtney emphasizes the importance of mentorship, resource sharing, and advocacy. By collaborating and providing access to industry know-how, professionals can play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of floral designers and horticulturists.
Courtney Champagne's dedication to high school floristry education and her commitment to empowering FFA teachers highlight her role as a catalyst for change within the agricultural community. Her innovative approach and passion for student success continue to inspire educators and industry leaders alike, paving the way for a flourishing future in floristry education. We thank Courtney for joining us this month--make sure to watch the replay video below!