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A Day in the Life of an Ag Teacher and Floral Design Educator

Writer's picture: Courtney ChampagneCourtney Champagne

Balancing lessons, creativity, and student growth in the classroom and beyond… with a little coffee and chaos along the way!

The calm before the storm.
The calm before the storm.

Early Morning: The Calm Before the Storm

My day starts early—we’re talking rooster crow early. By 7:30 AM, I’m at my desk, fueled by coffee and sheer determination, ready to tackle lesson plans, emails, and whatever curveballs the day might throw at me. Whether it’s setting up a flower arranging activity or double-checking the inventory for Tiger Lily (our in-class floral shop), mornings are all about getting my ducks (and flowers) in a row.

I’ll admit, it’s not always calm. There’s usually a stray glue gun or two and the occasional missing scissors mystery to solve, but that’s all part of the fun, right?




Morning Classes: Let the Creativity Bloom

The first few periods are a whirlwind of flowers, laughter, and creative energy. My Floral Design classes are where the magic happens, and it’s always buzzing with excitement.

  • Today’s Lesson: Centerpiece arrangements for an upcoming school event. Students are challenged to balance color, texture, and budget—a real-world skill wrapped in a creative project.

  • Classroom Shenanigans: Between teaching design techniques and reminding students not to hot glue their fingers (again), it’s organized chaos. But hey, isn’t that the best kind?

By the end of the morning, my desk is a battlefield of sketches, rubrics, and rogue flower petals. It’s messy, but it’s proof we’re learning and having a blast.


Midday: FFA Fun and Leadership Magic

Lunch? What’s that? My midday often involves kids sneaking into my room, arms loaded with snacks, hosting their own impromptu luncheons. There’s giggling over who’s going to bring cookies to the next event and animated chatter about upcoming FFA contests. Today, a group is huddled in the corner debating the theme for our next fundraiser while another is brainstorming ideas for the livestock show team. It’s a delightful mix of organized chaos and pure joy—because nothing brings people together like snacks and the excitement of planning what’s next.


Afternoon Classes: Practicum Pros and Real-World Skills

The afternoons are for my advanced floral design and practicum students. These kids are the pros-in-training, and they’re the backbone of our Tiger Lily Floral Shop.

  • Shop Shenanigans: Students run every aspect of the shop, from taking orders to delivering arrangements. Today, they’re creating centerpieces for a teacher appreciation event. Watching them own their responsibilities with flair (and a little sass) makes my teacher heart so proud.

  • Career Prep Adventures: We’re also planning job shadowing trips. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, my students are especially excited to work for a former Tiger Lily alumnus who now owns a local floral shop. The buzz in the room is contagious as they discuss the arrangements they’ll create, the skills they’ll practice, and how they’ll bring a bit of Tiger Lily flair to a bustling holiday season. They’re pumped—and so am I!


Evening: Wrapping Up with a Smile

By 3:30 PM, my official hours are over, but my to-do list is not. There are flowers to soak, projects to grade, and lessons to tweak. Some evenings, I’m brainstorming fun new activities for my Teachers Pay Teachers store or planning content for the next Cultivated Blooms retreat.

Dinner at home is a mix of family time and recharging my energy. (Pro tip: leftover pizza works wonders when you’ve been on your feet all day.) As I wind down, I jot down ideas for themed floral games, laugh at the day’s mishaps, and remind myself why I love this life.


Why I Do What I Do

Let’s be real: being an ag teacher and floral design instructor is equal parts chaos and joy. Every day is an adventure, from the early-morning coffee rush to the laughter-filled classroom moments. Watching my students grow, succeed, and sometimes surprise themselves is the best reward I could ask for.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about flowers or lessons—it’s about making a difference and inspiring the next generation. And hey, if I get a few pretty bouquets out of it, that’s a bonus!



Want to follow along with my crazy, colorful, flower-filled journey? Stay tuned for more tips, stories, and behind-the-scenes fun!

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