Trent Van Leuven teaches agriculture education to grades eight through 12 at Mackay Junior-Senior High School in Mackay, Idaho. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education in 2009. He has completed 14 years of teaching, the last nine being in Mackay. 
 
Van Leuven believes in providing experiential learning opportunities in the nine subjects he teaches. He utilizes a fish lab, three greenhouses, a welding lab and modern equipment to provide students with in-demand skills. Van Leuven seeks out experts to assist in the classroom with content instruction. He offers students 11 college credits through the dual credit program. 
 
In addition to classroom instruction, Van Leuven organizes annual trips with students as they plan agriculture tours. So far, he has traveled more than 40,000 miles through 35 states with students. 
 
He serves in various local, industry and community positions. Van Leuven is also the head teacher, Future Farmers of America adviser, eighth grade adviser and local union president in his school. He frequently steps up to drive a bus route or trip when resources are stretched thin. 
 
Van Leuven sees teacher and administrator retention, especially at the smallest schools, to be education’s greatest challenge. He believes that without continuity there is no accountability. Van Leuven also wants students in all schools — including the smallest schools — to find a subject to help them realize their passion. Students who find their passion are most likely to stay in school, find motivation and become productive members of society.