National Efforts To Recruit Retain Quality Ag Teachers Continues

It can be a struggle for small and large school districts alike across the Northwest and the nation; providing the best Ag education to ensure the next generation of farming.  Ellen Thompson is the director of the National Teach Ag Campaign, which she says is an effort to not only recruit, but also retain high quality Ag teachers.

“There’s been a nationwide demand for over 30 years for agriculture teachers, and these are the individuals that are in classrooms, teaching the next generation and problem solving, leadership development, entrepreneurial and agriculture skills.  So, they can be contributing members to their communities but also hopefully come in to the agriculture industry.”

Thompson said it’s through the National Teach Ag Campaign, they try to address that high demand.  She noted the program is an initiative of the National Council for Agricultural Education and the National Association of Agricultural Educators.  She said one of the most important messages to get out there, is the potential Ag teachers don’t need to be masters of all farming knowledge.

“Their job is to encourage students to ask questions, to find answers, but to do it in a process way and a factual way.  And so, teachers, in general should be the condiuit between students questions, knowledge, interest and finding the way to access that.”

Thompson says they will increase their efforts to recruit quality Ag teachers this week, since September 19^th is National Teach Ag Day.  If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an Ag teacher, click on the National Association of Agricultural Educators's Website.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com