A Tarleton Texan cheerleader found her way into the classroom teaching young professionals to become better agricultural educators. Chelsea Hatch, of Plainview, Texas, is paving her way in the agricultural education industry.  

Hatch is originally from Austin, Texas, where she was introduced to the agriculture industry in a nontraditional manner. After graduating from Lake Travis High School in 2009, she embarked on her journey at Tarleton State University.  

She initially went to school to cheer collegiately while obtaining a degree in agricultural education. While navigating through her college career as a cheerleader, she was also involved with her sorority Delta Zeta, and eventually became a Purple Poo, one of the oldest spirit organizations in the state of Texas. 

Hatch knew she would have the drive and determination to be a great educator because she has the best mentor – her mom.  

“If I can’t be the best ag teacher, I don’t want to be an ag teacher,” said Hatch

 “If I can’t be the best ag teacher, I don’t want to be an ag teacher.”

Chelsea Hatch

Upon graduation from Tarleton in 2013, she set out to achieve her goal as an agricultural science teacher at Smithson Valley High School, where she taught for two years.  

After falling in love with her husband, she moved to Plainview, Texas where she was hired to teach agricultural science. She was determined to be the best teacher she could be. With support from her family and co-workers, she was on track to achieve her goal.  

In 2021 her goal was put to the test and her career path changed. Just after having her second child, she was diagnosed with cancer in March of 2021. She had to focus on getting her health back, so she had to make a tough decision, missing classes, and events with her students. 

 “I didn’t really know. So, at that time, it was best for me to step away,” Hatch said. 

In April 2022, Hatch found herself in a position to begin a new journey for her passion in agricultural education. 

“All I want to do is teach, teachers, how to be great teachers,” Hatch said as she sat in the school vehicle with a student teacher.  

She is now an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, where she teaches various courses to encourage and instruct future educators. 

Hatch is currently taking courses to obtain a graduate degree in agricultural education. She plans to stay with Texas Tech for the long haul, hoping to pave the way for young professionals in the agricultural education industry.