3DE™ Educator Spotlight: Randy Farnum

Author: Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Published: Friday, 21 Feb 2025

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Image caption: Meet Randy Farnum! 🌍🔭 An Earth and Space Science teacher at Prairie 9th Grade Center, Randy is inspiring students through real-world learning with 3DE. From the Peace Corps to the classroom, his passion for education knows no bounds!

At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, we are proud to spotlight the incredible educators making a difference through the 3DE™ program. This month, we’re featuring Randy Farnum, a dedicated Earth and Space Science teacher at Prairie 9^th Grade Center. Randy’s journey in education is inspiring, and his passion for student growth through 3DE™ is evident in his teaching approach.

A Passion for Education and the Environment

Randy Farnum has been shaping young minds since 2003 in the public school system. However, his passion for education started well before that. Before becoming a classroom teacher, Randy worked in various informal education settings. He was involved with the Department of Natural Resources, where he provided environmental education in state parks, and he even served in the Peace Corps in Honduras, focusing on water and environmental education. His desire to help people understand the environment and the importance of keeping it healthy was fueled by his own educators in high school.

“I found myself helping people learn in every job I had,” Randy shares. “From building trails to doing maintenance work, I enjoyed helping others understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind what we were doing.”

First Impressions of 3DE™

Randy’s introduction to the 3DE™ program came through a site visit to a school in Kansas, where he observed firsthand how the program was being implemented. He was immediately drawn to the teamwork between both teachers and students, as well as the real-world applications embedded in the curriculum.

“It was exactly how I envisioned a school working together,” he recalls. “The collaboration and engagement among students made me excited to bring 3DE™ to our school.”

Transforming the Classroom with 3DE™

Since joining 3DE™, Randy has seen a shift in his teaching approach. The program emphasizes real-world business connections, critical thinking, and teamwork, which has changed how he engages students in his science curriculum.

One of the most rewarding aspects of his first semester with 3DE™ has been witnessing student growth. “The camaraderie among students has been amazing. Having their core classes together allows them to build relationships and work as a team, which has made a big difference in the classroom dynamic.”

The real-world business partnerships within 3DE™ have also changed the way Randy views student preparation for the future. “Students get to interact with business professionals and see how companies work,” he explains. “As freshmen, they are already gaining skills that will set them apart when applying for jobs or leadership roles later in life.”

"Randy Farnum is an incredible educator who truly embodies the spirit of 3DE. His dedication to student growth, collaboration, and real-world learning is inspiring. He creates an engaging environment where students thrive, and his passion for education shines through in everything he does." – Taylor Cline, 3DE School Coordinator

Advice for New 3DE™ Educators

For educators considering or just starting with 3DE™, Randy offers simple but impactful advice: “Jump right in, collaborate with your team, try new things, and let the kids fly!” The program thrives on teamwork, innovation, and allowing students to take ownership of their learning.

Looking to the Future

Randy envisions 3DE™ shaping the future of education at Prairie 9th Grade Center by fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment. He believes that providing students with real-world experiences and connections will better prepare them for success beyond high school.

Life Beyond the Classroom

When he’s not in the classroom, Randy enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and taking on remodeling projects—especially during the winter months. In fact, he has completely remodeled his own house by himself! And in an interesting twist, he once had a rather unusual encounter—he was bitten by a vampire bat!

Final Thoughts

Randy’s journey with 3DE™ demonstrates the power of collaborative learning, real-world applications, and student engagement. His dedication to fostering growth and teamwork in his students is inspiring, and we are grateful for educators like him who are making a difference in the lives of young learners.

We look forward to seeing how 3DE™ continues to shape education at Prairie 9^th Grade Center and beyond!

Stay tuned for more Educator and Student Spotlights as we celebrate the passionate teachers bringing 3DE™ to life in our schools. Interested in learning more about 3DE™ and how it impacts students? Contact us today!