Marianna K-8 Welcomes New Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor Tania Henderson

Marianna K-8 is kicking off the school year with a fresh face in the agriculture department, Tania Henderson, the new ag teacher and FFA advisor. With a lifelong passion for agriculture and student development, Henderson brings energy, experience, and a clear vision to her new role.

“I grew up on a dairy in Live Oak, Florida and started taking Ag classes as soon as I could in the sixth grade,” Henderson shared. “My mom was a 4-H leader, so I was in 4-H basically my whole life and joined FFA in the sixth grade.”

Throughout middle and high school, Henderson was actively involved in both dairy and beef showing, and knew early on that she wanted to become an agriculture teacher. “I decided that I wanted to teach ag when I was in sixth grade, so I just always knew that was my plan.”

She followed that plan to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), where she studied Agricultural Education. After college, she began her teaching career at Clifton Ridge Middle School in Jones County, Georgia, where she taught for four years and founded the school’s FFA program.

Now at Marianna K-8, Henderson hopes to inspire a new generation of students to explore the opportunities available through FFA and agriculture education. “I like to show students what they can expect in FFA through activities in the classroom as well as experiences from older FFA members,” she explained. “I plan to incorporate leadership days for students to learn about the opportunities available through ag class and FFA.”

Henderson encourages students and their families to get involved. “Coming to FFA meetings and CDE practices after school are an awesome way to get involved and answer all the questions new members and their parents may have,” she said.

Her favorite part of teaching? Watching students grow. “I love watching my students learn new concepts and apply them. I also love watching them succeed in an area they have put effort into.”

Reflecting on her own FFA journey, Henderson credits her middle school advisor for shaping her experience. “Some of my favorite memories in FFA come from when I was in middle school with my advisor, Miss Etcher. She always had a way of being very strict, but also the most fun a teacher could possibly be.”

As an advisor herself, one of her proudest moments came just this past April. “My favorite FFA memory as an advisor is watching one of my former students win state FFA Creed Speaking.”

Outside the classroom, Henderson enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and capturing moments through sports photography.

With her dedication and enthusiasm, Tania Henderson is set to make a lasting impact on the students of Marianna K-8 and continue building a strong FFA program for years to come.