This summer, Arlington ISD’s own Megan Brundrett made her mark in the world of floral design. She officially earned the Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designation from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), one of the most prestigious honors in the floral industry.
Earning this certification was no small feat. The Professional Floral Design Evaluation is known for its intensity, with only 30% to 40% of candidates passing. The process included a comprehensive written exam covering everything from botany to architecture, followed by a four-hour design session where Megan created five floral arrangements – a wedding design, wearable piece, sympathy tribute, arrangement, and designer’s choice – using a surprise set of materials.
“Overall, I feel both relieved and incredibly proud to have earned the AIFD/CFD certification,” Brundrett said. “This credential represents over a year of preparation and practice. Learning that I passed on my very first attempt was both humbling and overwhelming.”
Her achievement places her among an elite group as one of only two agricultural science teachers in Texas to hold the CFD designation. But for her, the value of the certification goes beyond personal recognition.
“My goal is to continually exemplify lifelong learning while passing along the latest trends, skills, and techniques in floral design,” she said. “In return, our students not only develop technical expertise but also learn the importance of soft skills such as self-motivation, dedication, and a strong work ethic. That balance positions them to excel in the floral industry and stand out in the workforce.”
Brundrett’s journey into floral design began much like her students’ – in the classroom. As a high school sophomore, she enrolled in an agriculture class and quickly found her way into a local flower shop, where she spent her early days making bows and scrubbing buckets before earning the chance to design arrangements.
“I may not have a master’s in education,” Brundrett said, “but just wait, I’ll have the whole floral alphabet soup after my name.”
Brundrett is already preparing to add more to her credentials, with plans to complete her Texas Master Florist certification and explore Professional Floral Communicators – International certification.
Today, she blends her industry background with her role as an educator at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, where she leads students through hands-on floral design courses and even helps them run the CTC Floral Studio. Her students benefit not only from her expertise but also from her passion for inspiring the next generation of floral designers.
For Arlington ISD, Brundrett’s certification is more than a personal milestone, it’s a program-changing achievement. With one of only two CFD-certified agricultural science teachers in the state, the district’s floral design program is blossoming into one of the most distinguished in Texas.