YOUNG CATTLE RAISERS
Educator Creates Memories at Cattle Raisers Museum
by Deanna Holderith, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Foundation
One of the highlights of David Bedford’s presen- tation on cowboys and the cattle industry at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Cattle Raisers Museum is the selection of a young student to model a cowboy’s work clothes and gear, including hat and chaps.
D
AVID BEDFORD, EDUCATOR FOR THE CATTLE RAISERS Museum, fi elds a lot of questions during his presentations on the history of the cattle in-
dustry. Most commonly students ask, “Are you a real cowboy?” He answers, “Yes, in my heart.” While Bedford is not ranch-reared, he is a lifelong
educator. He brings 40 years of experience as a history teacher, school administrator and educational consultant to his museum position, which gives him the opportu- nity to teach in classrooms throughout North Texas. Bedford has a passion for both education and the
subject matter. “I have the perfect job. I get the joy of teaching and
interacting with students, without any of the adminis- trative and extracurricular responsibilities,” he says. “Plus, the history of the cattle industry in Texas is an essential part of our heritage. It’s not only legend and lore, but a fundamental force that shaped the state in
40 The Cattleman August 2014
its early years and continues to help drive our economy today. Students need to know that Texas is still the No. 1 cattle producing state in the nation. The industry still makes a huge contribution.” Since his hiring in February 2010, Bedford has cre-
ated a hands-on, interactive presentation that helps bring ranching to life for students who may have never left the city or suburbs. “In the beginning, we experimented with distance
learning, but found it is more effective if the students can literally grab on to the subject matter by putting their hands on branding irons, lassos and chaps,” he says. “If they can’t touch things and really get engaged, then I’m just another teacher presenting another les- son, not an educator creating a memorable experience.” For many attendees, the presentation’s highlight
occurs when a fellow classmate is selected to model a cowboy’s work clothes and gear, including hat and
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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