Students at heart of Mike Shertzer’s agriculture education, FFA advising

Mike Shertzer would much rather talk about his students than his own talents.
However one measures success, for four decades Shertzer, agriculture education teacher and FFA adviser at
Bowling Green High School, has been successful.
Molding students to be productive citizens may be his greatest achievement.
2006 graduate Stacie Wenig said Shertzer’s efforts reach far beyond the agricultural community.
"A lot of students who got degrees in other areas can credit the hands-on applied agriculture
education as a reason they are successful in their careers today," she said. "He is really
good at engaging all types of students."
His approach relates the importance of agricultural eduction as it is applied to other areas and careers.

More than just a teacher, Shertzer is considered a role model for many of his students.
Kristin Bechstein, a 2007 graduate, summed it up. "He’s more than a teacher and adviser. He was a
mentor that we could go to – not only for things in FFA or at school, but he would give us advice on
anything."
His success is evident in countless awards, both personal and for his students. He was named outstanding
ag teacher for Ohio in 1984 and named the Bowling Green City Schools teacher of the year in 2002. The
following year he received Wal-Mart’s National Teacher award. More importantly, his success can be
measured in what he does for the students.
"In FFA he would always push us to do the best we could," Bechstein said.
And the chapter’s best has frequently ranked them at the top of various evaluations and competitions at
the local, state and national level.
Since 1977, Shertzer has led the chapter to being a national chapter finalist five times and a top
national chapter in 1999. The chapter has been named a
"Gold Medal Chapter" for (See FFA on 5)
36 years. The state and district awards are too numerous to list.
"He’s an institution at Bowling Green High School," said its principal Jeff Dever.
Calling him a tremendous asset to both students and to the school, Dever said, "I can’t say enough
about him."
Twice the chapter has ranked in the top four nationally with contest teams. Shertzer says he trains 22
teams each year.
"In the various contests and programs, he spends more than the required hours at schools helping us
out," Bechstein said.
"His dedication to students is quite evident," Wenig concurs. "You will rarely find
another person who will devote that amount of time."
She then listed numerous extras the teacher provides to his students including working countless
evenings, some weekends and summers for the county fair.
"If the chapter wanted to do it, somehow he would make it happen," Bechstein said.
"He does all of that and enjoys every minute of it," Wenig said. "That what makes him an
extra special teacher and a friend of the community as well."
Bechstein echoes the comment, "He has really built a great relationship with the community."

Shertzer is proud of some of the community activities which had their roots in the BG FFA.
"I’m pleased that our program has had an impact on the community," he said.
He cited the adult education program, along with Pheasants Forever and the Woodworker’s Guild, all now
successful after getting started with the FFA connection.
Shertzer is a 37-year adviser with the 4-Leaf Clover Kids 4-H club, based in Portage.
"He loves kids. He goes above and beyond, that’s for sure," said Jayne Roth, OSU Extension
educator for Wood County 4-H.
"He’s been a good mentor for me," Roth said. "He’s a good thinker and will help out with
any problems or fair issues."
Shertzer verified Wenig’s comment, "Every day is fun. Every class is different so I don’t get bored
teaching the same thing over and over."
He also noted how the concept of having the same students for four years allows him to see and assist
with their growth and development. "It’s fun watching them grow."
He has no plans to retire admitting he expects he will know when it’s time.
"I would hate to have to retire at this point. I’m enjoying myself and the kids," he said.
After growing up on a small farm near Clyde, Shertzer chose his profession as a way to stay connected to
his agricultural roots.
He says he doesn’t have other interests due to the time he devotes to FFA and 4-H.
Shertzer is still truly enjoying the role he began in 1971. Through his longevity he has taught and is
teaching children of former students.
Bechstein is one of those students. Her father, Charlie Bechstein was among Shertzer’s first students,
graduating in 1975.
"He built the FFA program up to such a good quality that people want to participate in," the
younger Bechstein summarized.
He quietly goes about his business, never seeking the spotlight.
"Whenever you tell him he’s doing a great job, he just brushes it off and doesn’t want to take any
of the credit."
Info Box: Students at heart of Shertzer’s
ag education, FFA advising