Week Four: Ag Teachers, the role they play in and out of the classroom.

I think one of the most important roles within the ag industry is education. It allows for consumers to be connected with producers, students with teachers and so on. I have been able to spend time in various classroom settings and have seen the impact ag teachers have on educating the next generation of farmers.

While contemplating this topic I came across a video that highlighted an ag teacher from Pennsylvania. She talked about her love for teaching and for her students. You could clearly see her passion for being in the classroom and for agriculture. In order for us to have a secure labor force in agriculture, we need engaging teachers to help the next generation see what an important job it is to work in ag. If we are able to help our youth see how rewarding it is to work as an agriculturalist than we can ensure our food and fiber supply for generations to come.

Some of my favorite phrases regarding agriculture come from the FFA creed. I am always touched when I hear the phrase, “I believe that to live and work on a good farm is both pleasant as well as challenging, for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which in hours of discouragement I cannot deny.” Working as an agriculturalist is tough. It takes grit. It takes endurance. And it takes determination. I think when these values are portrayed to our youth in a positive manner, they have the ability to change their whole outlook on life. We live in an easy-come-easy-go society, where passion for worthwhile causes is squelched under political jargon and ideas. Youth today want to advocate for a cause. They have a desire to serve something bigger than themselves. We as ag teachers have the ability to help them see need for hard working men and women within agriculture.

Ag teachers are essential laborers in the ag industry. They have the chance to shape and cheer on the up-and-coming farmers and ranchers throughout the nation. I can hardly wait until I am able to spend time in my future classroom doing all I can to help encourage and empower those young folks.

“National Teach Ag Campaign - Frequently Asked Questions.” National Association of Agricultural Educators, www.naae.org/teachag/faq.cfm.

“Ag Teacher, FFA Advisor Wins Live With Kelly and Ryan Top Teachers Search.” National FFA Organization, 18 May 2021, www.ffa.org/the-feed/ag-teacher-ffa-advisor-wins-live-with-kelly-and-ryan-top-teachers-search/.

“Job Description of Ag Teacher.” Job Description of an Ag Teacher, www.vatat.org/teacher-ag-teacher-job-description.

“The Council.” The National Council for Agricultural Education, 30 May 2019, thecouncil.ffa.org/.