As part of The Journal’s annual Back to School section, we are introducing the new teachers who will be guiding, inspiring, and shaping the next generation of students.
This school year, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton’s FFA Chapter—which boasted 100+ members in 2025-2026—will have a passionate new mentor: Amy Jentges, who joins the district as the new High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor.
A Wisconsin native, Jentges graduated from Random Lake High School in 2022 before pursuing her passion for agricultural education at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, graduating in 2026. Stepping into her first year of full-time teaching, she brings a deep lifelong relationship with agriculture and a strong drive to empower students through hands-on learning.
Her journey into ag education began with her own desire to find standard-setting learning opportunities. Growing up deeply involved in agriculture, she sought out a high school program that offered robust coursework and leadership. That search led her to Random Lake High School, where she became an active FFA officer—an experience that ultimately defined her career trajectory. “That experience really inspired me to pursue a career in ag education and offer that same life-changing experience to other students,” Jentges shared.
Her passion for teaching was further fueled by influential educators and mentors along the way. She credits her high school ag teacher, Ms. Rathke, as a pivotal inspiration. Additionally, during her educational journey, Jentges had the unique opportunity to step into 35 different classrooms across the state to teach agriculture and leadership lessons. “Each classroom and educator offered me advice and insight that left a lasting footprint on how I view teaching,” she reflected.
In the classroom, Jentges is particularly excited to dive into large animal science, a subject close to her heart. Having grown up on a dairy farm, she spent years showing cattle, pigs, and lambs through 4-H and FFA. Beyond teaching practical agricultural skills, her core philosophy centers on preparing students for the broader world. “Every student in my classroom is a future consumer,” Jentges noted. “It’s vital that they understand this vast industry so they can make informed decisions in their everyday lives.”
Outside of school, Jentges remains tied to the agricultural community. Her fiancé, Jace, owns an agricultural equipment dealership in Owatonna. In her free time, she enjoys showing livestock and staying involved in rural community life (and, despite moving to Minnesota, remains an unapologetic Packers fan).
Looking ahead to the 2026–27 academic year, Jentges is eager to hit the ground running with the school’s FFA chapter. “I’m really excited to pick up with my FFA involvement and increase both student and community engagement,” she noted. “I want to drive genuine interest in agriculture and create an environment where students feel inspired to lead.”
The Journal welcomes Amy Jentges to the JWP district and wishes her and her students a fruitful year ahead.
