John Rayfield

What are your current research interests?

My current research interests center around experiential learning and how secondary agricultural education teachers infuse those theories into their practice.

What types of outreach and engagement have you been involved with?

Currently, most of my outreach and engagement is serving 4-H and FFA in several different capacities. I serve as the superintendent for the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest each year in Louisville, KY. I serve as the FFA Career Development Events coordinator for CASNR. We host area and state events each spring that bring approximately 3,000 high school students to campus.

Why did you choose this field?

I chose agricultural education because I wanted to make a difference in the quality of teachers entering our field. Teaching teachers is the fastest way to influence the product that our program places in the workforce. 

How do you define good teaching?

Good teaching is engaging, with clarity and enthusiasm. If any of those three components are missing, it probably fails to rise to the “good” category. 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

Being awarded the Outstanding Manuscript Award in the Journal of Agricultural Education. 

How do you integrate research and outreach into teaching?

Everything I teach is related to my research interest and outreach is built in to my teaching and research. The three work together to complement each other. They are intertwined in everything I do as a faculty member. 

More about John Rayfield

Dr. John Rayfield is a Professor and serves as the program coordinator for Agricultural Education in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications at Texas Tech University. Dr. Rayfield earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural education from Auburn University, his master's degree in agricultural extension from the University of Georgia, and his doctorate of education in agricultural education from Texas Tech University. In 2001, his school's FFA chapter was recognized as the Outstanding Middle School Program in the nation by National FFA. Dr. Rayfield has been recognized at many levels for his teaching, research and service to agricultural education. He is a Texas Tech Integrated Scholar, Auburn University College of Education Outstanding Alumni and Journal of Agricultural Education Author of the Year. Dr. Rayfield is actively involved in livestock showing and judging. He serves as superintendent for the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest and judges junior and open livestock shows across the United States.