I interviewed Colleen Gengler from Murray County Office. She has been an Extension Educator for a number of years. Sometimes she also works in neighboring counties, when her expertise is needed.

Q. What is an Extension Educator?
A. An extension educator works in a variety of areas. My main focus is family development, and other things connected to families, and parenting. Part of my job is to train professionals that teach parenting. I also work a lot with people who provide Day Care.

Q. Why did you become an Extension Educator?
A. There was several reasons. I like the fact that it is very self-directed. My job also works with many people, and I am teaching, but in an informal way. It’s working with people who voluntarily come in and want to learn.

Q. What are some of the benefits of your job?
A. If fits my personality, myself being self-driven. I also can determine my own schedule. There are a variety of things that I do, which, for me is also a benefit. The University of Minnesota also provides us with very good training

Q. What kind of education was necessary for your job, and where did you attend college?
A. When I first started a Bachelors degree was all that was necessary. A few years ago it became recommended to obtain a Masters, which I did. I graduated from the University of Minnesota, with a degree in Home Economics. The name is changing, and has two different titles now; it’s called Family and Consumer Sciences or Human Ecology.

Q. What about your job do you enjoy the most?
A. I enjoy the satisfaction of connecting individuals with education, or help that they need. It is very satisfying to teach them.