Lovington High School teacher Montana Hagler has become a trusted leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Agriculture and a beloved teacher to her students. As lead instructor for the Plant Systems Pathway and advisor for the Lovington chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA), Hagler creates hands-on, student-centered learning environments where teenagers grow not only as scholars, but also as leaders, critical thinkers and contributors to their rural New Mexico community.
Hagler’s instructional practices blend innovation with real-world relevance. She incorporates inquiry-based learning, project-based units and a “flipped classroom” model that leverages technology to maximize active learning time. Students enter her classes prepared to apply knowledge immediately, whether in the school’s greenhouse, labs or through FFA experiential learning projects. Her students have demonstrated strong gains in both academic understanding and practical agricultural skills, and many graduates have pursued degrees or careers in agriculture and related fields.
Beyond her classroom, Hagler is a leader in districtwide CTE programming. At LHS, she serves as CTE department chair, collaborates with school and district leaders on grant writing for the department, and has played an instrumental role in designing and implementing Lovington’s work-based learning internships for eligible juniors and seniors. She helped develop the district’s Portrait of a Wildcat— encompassing a strategic plan and the skills and aspirations that guide students from freshman year through graduation. Hagler also engages families through a parent advisory board that meets regularly to discuss program goals and student progress.
Hagler earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with an emphasis in agriculture from Eastern New Mexico University in 2020.
