Dave Gossman is a 25-year agriculture educator at Atwater High School in California’s Central Valley. Over the course of his career, he has served on the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association Executive Board, the National FFA Board, and currently serves on the Northern California Sports Field Management Association Board. He teaches Agriculture Earth Science and Environmental Horticulture and is widely recognized for creating innovative, industry-connected learning opportunities for students.
Seven years ago, Dave developed the Turfgrass and Sports Field Management program in his school district, the first program of its kind in California within the Agriculture Career Technical Education pathway. The program was created in response to the growing number of career opportunities in turfgrass, sports field, recreation, and golf facility management at the local, community, collegiate, and professional levels.
Dave believes the best high schools are those that “open doors” for students by helping them discover meaningful career interests and future opportunities. His work is centered on exposing students to the turfgrass and sports field management profession while building pathways that prepare the next generation of skilled employees, professionals, and industry leaders.