Matt Crutcher, Fair Grove’s agricultural teacher and FFA advisor, has been teaching here since July of 2000 and continues to educate students in local and global agricultural work.
Crutcher works in the agriculture building and along with being a teacher he sponsors the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Crutcher said, “I love the culture of Fair Grove and how students, teachers, and community members support every program.”
Fellow agriculture teacher Cole Johnston said, “Crutcher always brings a high energy to class each and every day.” Crutcher and Johnston have been co-teaching the agriculture classes for the past five years.
Crutcher, after working at Fair Grove for 24 years, simply said his future plans are to keep teaching at Fair Grove. He stated, “Working here has shown me what I enjoy, teaching kids new things.”
One of Crutcher’s students, Bryce Teriet, stated, “I like Mr. Crutcher over other teachers for sure. Being an agriculture teacher, he’s more laid back and fun to be around. He has a little bit more freedom over the things he teaches. That being said, he makes everything we do in class worth our time and fun.”
There are many classes that Crutcher teaches, spanning from middle school shop to veterinary science. He also teaches agriculture construction, landscape, and agricultural mechanics.
Crutcher teaches these classes in a fun way, with Teriet saying, “Mr. Crutcher structures his class in a very fun yet effective way. We get things done in that class while having a good time. He really makes his classes enjoyable and worthwhile.”
Crutcher has always enjoyed the agricultural field, and wanted to become a teacher to share that joy. Crutcher stated, “I became a teacher because it allows me to teach students where their food comes.”
The joy Crutcher has for agriculture is shared through his effort and care in his classes. Teriet said, “I do see Mr. Crutcher putting in more effort than required quite a bit. In order to make class fun, effort has to be made by the teacher. That’s why his class is so fun. He structures his teaching around hands-on activities. Not every teacher does this.”
Crutcher enjoys talking to kids and being a teacher. According to Teriet, Crutcher has earned the nickname “Crutch Dog” from students for being enjoyable around them.
Crutcher is one of two Fair Grove agricultural teachers, and according to his fellow Ag. teacher Johnston, “Mr. Crutcher is a well respected individual within the Agriculture Education world and is a high integrity person.”
