Through my research and outreach efforts, I enjoy supporting educators in developing innovative, hands-on learning experiences that make agriculture relevant, accessible, and exciting for students.
Professor
What interests me most about my field is the opportunity to work directly with teachers and help them create meaningful learning experiences that increase student engagement and appreciation for agriculture. Agriculture touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives, yet many students have limited exposure to the industry and the diverse career opportunities it provides. Through my research and outreach efforts, I enjoy supporting educators in developing innovative, hands-on learning experiences that make agriculture relevant, accessible, and exciting for students.
I teach because I believe education has the power to transform lives. Throughout my career, I have seen how a single learning experience, mentor, or opportunity can change a student’s trajectory and open doors they never imagined possible. Teaching allows me to play a small role in helping students discover their potential, develop confidence in their abilities, and find meaningful ways to contribute to their communities and professions.
What makes me passionate about teaching is the opportunity to work with students as they grow both personally and professionally. I enjoy creating learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, engage with real-world issues, and apply their knowledge in authentic settings.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning is most meaningful when students are actively engaged in the educational process and can connect new knowledge to authentic, real-world experiences. I view teaching as a collaborative endeavor in which the instructor serves as both a guide and facilitator, creating an environment that challenges students to think critically, solve problems, and apply their learning beyond the classroom.
My teaching is heavily influenced by experiential learning principles, as I believe students learn best by doing, reflecting, and applying knowledge in authentic contexts.
I hope students leave my classes with far more than content knowledge. While developing a strong understanding of the subject matter is important, my ultimate goal is for students to gain the confidence, critical-thinking skills, and practical experience necessary to succeed in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Most importantly, I hope students leave my classes believing in their own potential. If they gain confidence in their abilities, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a desire to positively influence others, then I consider the educational experience a success.
I would like my students to know that family is one of the most important parts of my life. I am the proud parent of three children whom I adopted through foster care. That experience has shaped who I am both personally and professionally, teaching me the importance of patience, resilience, empathy, and the power of investing in others.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending as much time as possible outdoors. Whether it is hiking, exploring new places, or simply enjoying nature with my children, I find that being outdoors helps me recharge and maintain perspective. I also have a passion for travel and enjoy experiencing different cultures and ways of life through international travel and cruising.
Another important part of my life is raising dogs. I raise both Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers, and I enjoy the responsibility and rewards that come with caring for and breeding these wonderful animals.
Dr. Rubenstein grew up in rural central Pennsylvania, where his extended family was involved in production agriculture. Prior to beginning at the University of Georgia, Dr. Rubenstein worked as a middle and high school agriculture teacher in central and southern Pennsylvania. As of 2017, Dr. Rubenstein has 14 refereed journal publications and 31 invited and refereed presentations. At the University of Georgia, he is a teacher educator specializing in agricultural education and in the use of experiential learning as a classroom-institutional strategy. Dr. Rubenstein’s research interests are in school-based agricultural education, non-formal education, and experiential learning. Specifically, Dr. Rubenstein specializes in the development, implementation, and utilization of supervised agricultural experience programs in school-based agricultural education. Dr. Rubenstein teaches courses in program development, community development, program evaluation, teaching and learning theory, history and philosophy of agricultural education, and domestic and international agricultural education.