Conversations with Trent Van Leuven: Idaho's Teacher of the Year on Swimming Upstream

Swimming Upstream

Welcome back to another episode of Swimming Upstream with your host, Tom Luna. Today, we are thrilled to have Trent Van Leuven, the Idaho Teacher of the Year, joining us. Trent's journey began on a dairy farm in Roberts, Idaho, leading him to a prestigious career in education influenced by his early involvement with the FFA and a pivotal encounter that steered him toward teaching.

Throughout this episode, we'll explore Trent's transformative impact on his students through innovative agricultural and aquacultural programs at Mackay High School. We'll delve into how his upbringing on a farm ingrained a robust work ethic and sense of urgency that he now embeds in his teaching, preparing his students for academic success and real-world challenges. Trent's story is a testament to the power of local resources and educational ingenuity in shaping the future of young minds.

Join us as we dive into this inspiring tale of dedication, innovation, and community impact.

Key Moments

00:00 Received encouragement and switched careers to teaching.

04:12 Idaho dairy farm work ethic and perspective.

08:35 Teacher of the year in rural Idaho schools.

10:52 Mackay's rural history and innovative agricultural program.

14:06 Pinching baskets for height, public speaking development.

20:07 Students innovated the Venturi aerator to improve the school.

23:30 Encouraging words for award-winning Idaho teacher.

25:09 A Teenage inventor conceptualized television in a potato field.

Connect with Trent Van Leuven

Website: https://www.sde.idaho.gov/