Professional development for future agriculture educators

By Brodee McCormick

The Agricultural Education Club/ Alpha Tau Alpha (ATA) is a professional organization for all future agriculture educators and supporters of agriculture education in general. Since ATA was formed at the University of Illinois in 1921, there have been over 32 chapters at major universities across the nation. ATA allows agriculture education students to come together to learn about education spiritually, intellectually and physically.

At the monthly meetings, members can expect a variety of events to take place depending on what is planned for the month. A large focus of the chapter is to ensure future teachers are provided with professional development before heading into the classroom, through guest speakers, industry visits and tours, or events at the meetings to test members knowledge on FFA contests and common agriculture classroom facts.

ATA members are also actively involved in planned community service events, social events on campus and in the community, as well as helping write curriculum and facilitate for other various events both on and off campus.

And finally, members also have the opportunity to travel to the National Conclave in Indianapolis, IN, in October where they compete against other ATA chapters in various events and meet members from the other universities.