Gwen Boettcher
DeForest Area High School, WI Agricultural Educator
DeForest, Wisconsin
Gwen's journey in agriculture began on her first-generation farm, Dolph Dairy, nestled in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. From its humble beginnings as a 40-cow dairy, the farm has flourished, now boasting over 500 cows and spanning 1,000 acres. Gwen, alongside her two siblings, continues to play a role in steering the farm's operations, fostering a deep connection to the land and its vibrant tapestry of life.
Gwen's passion for agriculture education is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up on Dolph Dairy, she and her siblings were actively involved in all aspects of farm life, from tending to the needs of the cattle to managing extensive fields of corn and alfalfa. At the age of 7, Gwen embarked on her 4-H journey, a pivotal moment sparked by her parents gifting her a calf for her inaugural county fair.
In 2005, Gwen graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a double major in Agriculture Education and Life Sciences Communication. Immediately after graduation, Gwen embarked on her teaching career at DeForest Area High School in 2005. Witnessing the program's growth from a single to a 1.5 teacher program, she became a driving force in expanding its reach. In 2011, Gwen earned her Masters in Agriculture Education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, coinciding with her recognition as the NAAE Outstanding Young Educator representing Region III. In 2018 she was selected to be part of the National Agriscience Teachers Ambassador Academy and in 2019 was selected to take part in NAAE XLR8.
Under Gwen's guidance, the DeForest Agriculture program has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from 70 FFA members and 6-course offerings to over 510 FFA members and sixteen diverse courses in agriculture, and four full-time Agricultural Science Teachers. The program now encompasses a 84-acre land laboratory, a 60-acre nature preserve, an orchard, a greenhouse, aquaponics, and an indoor animal laboratory. Gwen's commitment to agricultural education extends beyond the classroom, as she actively contributes to the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators, sharing insights on Google technology, website design at Professional Development Conferences. Currently she is serving at the Section 5 Vice President for the organization.
Outside of her professional life, Gwen finds joy in spending time with her husband, Garritt, and takes immense pride in their three children, Gavin, Greylen, and Gretta. Together, they farm, garden, play all the sports and show their Polled Hereford and Shorthorn cattle. The family's involvement in her home dairy remains, as Gwen endeavors to instill a love for agriculture in her children by involving them in the care of the cattle and the pulse of the barn.