Everyone is expecting there to be some changes at the high school this upcoming school year, but one person who is not faint-of-heart is the new animal sciences teacher.

Kayla Brock is starting her agricultural sciences teaching career at Blanco High School. The Houston native graduated from Tarleton State University in May with a bachelor of science degree in agricultural services and development.

“I’m excited to be with the kids and to start my career,” Brock said. “I’m not too worried about COVID-19. I’ve discussed it with the principal and I think we have a good plan in place. If I have to wear a mask, that just means I’ll use less makeup. I just want to get in the classroom.”

There will be a number of new faces at Blanco High School for the new school year.

The principal also is new to campus. Patrick Hinson has been in education for 18 years, the last seven of which were at Lake Travis ISD where he was an associate principal. Parents and students can expect to see three new teachers on campus this year, including Brock.

Sabrina Myers will be teaching chemistry and Mary Wolfshohl will be teaching physics and environmental systems.

Brock will join veteran Ag teacher Travis Kersten. Both also are the FFA advisers.

Being an Ag teacher

Brock will be teaching principals of agriculture, advanced animal science, livestock, equine and small animal science.

She understands the importance of agriculture: we all need to eat.

“In high school I did a speech about where we would be without agriculture: hungry, naked and afraid,” Brock said. “Ag is such a big part of the economy and the world.”

She hails from a family with an FFA tradition, so raising hogs, sheep, chickens and lambs are second-nature.

“I love animal science; it’s so fascinating,” she said. “I like teaching kids about animals, and seeing the ‘Aha!’ moments that happen when they learn something.”

Brock isn’t wearing rose-colored glasses, however. She knows that teaching is no easy feat.

“Being an ag teacher is not like other teachers--you have more responsibility: I’m their adviser, mother, friend, correctional officer. It’s important to be there for them. My job is not just to teach animal science, but life and leadership.”

Brock will keep the spirit of her Ag teachers from high school.

“One of my Ag teachers was like a second mom; I was always in there talking to her,” Brock said. “I knew I belonged in Ag.”

Starting her teaching career is not the only new adventure for Brock.

She and her fiancé, Michael Taylor, college sweethearts, will be getting married in November of next year.