In the words of a great counselor, “Dufelmeier doesn’t just teach in a classroom – he teaches a kingdom.” Shuffling between the Agriculture Shop and the Wood Shop, Kenny Dufelmeier (Duff or Mr. D to many students) teaches a grand variety of students all eager to learn.
Growing up on a small farm, Duff’s life was consumed with growing grain, livestock production and showing animals at fairs and competitions. “I was extremely involved in 4-H and FFA growing up. Being apart of this, I knew I wanted to give back to the community and inform people on the practices of agriculture. I just didn’t know how,” Duff stated. When asked why he became a teacher, he said he had a kindergarten teacher who touched his heart. “Even in high school, she would see my picture in the newspaper and send me a congratulatory note. Her kindness followed me, and I knew I wanted to inspire others like she did for me.” When questioned why he chose agriculture, he admitted that he originally majored in math education and minored in chemistry education at Illinois State University because it was his favorite class in high school. After having “the time of his life” for two years, he switched his major to Agriculture Education, which he says was “his true calling” because ag is his life. When asked what the best and worst parts of teaching ag is, Duff said his favorite part is being an advisor to the Jacksonville FFA and helping students achieve, especially when you can see their “lightbulb moment.” Dufelmeier also wanted to note that Mr. Mansholt, the other teacher in the agriculture department is “the man” and “the PowerPoint master.”