When Rich McCabe was in high school in his hometown of Bethany, his school didn’t have an agriculture program, which was part of a growing trend in Illinois in the 1980s, he said.
After a strong push to bring agriculture back to classrooms across the state, McCabe became Unity High School’s agriculture teacher 20 years ago after four years at Rantoul High School. Going without that experience in high school, he said, gives him a unique perspective about the importance of the subject. His enthusiasm for the subject doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Mr. McCabe creates energy and enthusiasm in his Ag classes, and he creates and sustains partnerships with local industries that help our students learn hands-on,” Unity Principal Bill Behrends said. “Unity FFA consistently has students win events at both the state and national level, and his program sends students into a variety of Agriculture related fields after high school.
I find my work important because … the impact on students who take part in the National FFA Organization and agriculture education classes is tremendous. Our members compete in Career and Leadership Development Events and have unique opportunities for leadership development, personal growth, and career preparation. Unity agriculture students also gain lifelong skills and knowledge that relate directly to potential careers in their future.
I became a teacher because … it’s a family business! Both sides of my family were heavily involved in agriculture, and there are many teachers in my immediate and extended family. My mom was a teacher and administrator, and I remember family gatherings always included discussions about education and what was going on at school — usually over hands of bridge. Two of my three siblings are also educators in Illinois. I always thought I would be a teacher when I was younger. I also worked throughout my childhood on a couple of family farms, so it made sense to put those two things together and become an agriculture teacher.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … This is a tough question, because our program involves so many unique activities that put students in real-world scenarios. If I had to choose one, I would point to our sow-farrowing activity in my veterinary science class. In this lesson, we bring a bred sow (pregnant pig) into the school’s greenhouse. Our students care for the sow until she farrows (delivers) her litter. When necessary, students even assist the sow with birth — sometimes helping to pull piglets. Afterward, they care for both the sow and piglets by administering shots, assisting with nursing, castrating males, and performing other essential tasks.
The pigs help bring to life concepts in both reproduction and nutrition, particularly when you consider that our sow arrives weighing over 500 pounds and, after delivering her litter, leaves many pounds lighter despite eating nearly 20 pounds of feed per day — while doubling the size of her piglets three times in just 21 days through milk production alone. A couple of other schools in Illinois farrow sows at school, but Unity is the only one I know of where students participate in all aspects of the process.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … my students master complex concepts to the point that they can assist and teach fellow classmates when needed. Student-to-student interaction like this shows a deep understanding of the material, and it helps build stronger connections to the content while also supporting social and emotional development and communication skills. I see this often in both the classroom and the lab/shop, and it’s always surprising which students rise to the occasion and positively impact their peers’ learning.
I keep students engaged by … The key is a combination of building strong personal rapport with students, keeping the classroom light-hearted when possible, and facilitating hands-on, practical activities that connect to the real world. Each day is fun and engaging thanks to our terrific students at Unity High School!
Something else I’m passionate about is … I really enjoy spending time with my two sons, Max and Russell. I love watching them participate in athletics and other activities. This year, both of them are in high school, and it has been a great experience having them in class and in the building together. They are at the age now where they are becoming fine young men, and it has been a joy to watch them mature along the way.
My favorite teacher and subject in school was … My favorite teacher was my grandfather, Tom Reedy. He was an agriculture instructor at Lake Land College in Mattoon from soon after its inception until his retirement in the 1990s. Though he wasn’t on the faculty when I attended Lake Land, he returned as a substitute, and having him as my teacher was a very memorable experience.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … either an electrician or a lawyer.
— ANTHONY ZILIS