2023 NAAE Annual Report

LEADING AND LEARNING TOGETHER.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATORS www.naae.org I #TeachAg

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Thank you to National FFA Foundation for helping support the NAAE mission.

>> A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO Leading and Learning Together.

This past year, NAAE celebrated our 75th anniversary and looked back on the history of our organization. A lot has changed, however, NAAE has never wavered from those goals set forth on day one. We continue to bring together agricultural educators for recognition and professional development. We not only advocate for agricultural education on a national level, but we empower you to do so, and we remain committed to promoting the profession of agricultural education through our teacher recruitment and retention efforts and the National Teach Ag Campaign.

Along with the celebration of our 75th anniversary, 2023 has brought some exciting changes and opportunities for us. We saw a twenty-year high in membership in our organization and released our first ever #TeachAg Lesson Plan-in-aBox that is specifically designed to help ag teachers recruit potential students into the profession. We celebrated ag educators during National Teacher Appreciation Week and National #TeachAg Day, held state and national professional development institutes, and continued to provide opportunities for our members to engage and be supported through our organization.

Alissa Smith, NAAE Chief Executive Officer

Our NAAE Board of Directors spent this year working to finalize a new strategic plan for 2023-2026. This strategic plan is a culmination of many years of work from our membership committees and Board of Directors. The plan outlines new strategic goals for each of our priority areas which include advocacy in agricultural education, member experience, professional development, and teacher recruitment, retention, and recognition. The plan also outlines action items for each of those strategic goals. This new strategic plan stays true, more than ever, to our foundation of supporting agricultural educators at every age and every stage of their careers.

There are so many great highlights in our 2023 annual report. I am eager to see what 2024 brings for our organization as we continue to stay true to our foundational mission set forth in 1948.

Alissa F. Smith NAAE Chief Executive Officer

>> 2022-2023 NAAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS & REGIONAL SECRETARIES

2022-23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President - Deanna Schnuck, MO President Elect - Eric Tilleman, MT Region I VP - Kyle Stapleton, ID Region II VP - Cameron Dale, OK Region III VP - Shari Graffunder, WI Region IV VP - Jeff Voris, MO Region V VP - Bill Newsom, TN Region VI VP - Aaron Geiman, MD Past President - Stan Scurlock, FL Chief Executive Officer - Alissa Smith

2022-23 REGIONAL SECRETARIES

Region I Secretary - Sharon Metzger, AZ Region II Secretary - Lauren Emerson, LA Region III Secretary - Paul Aarsvold, MN Region IV Secretary - John Hammond, KY Region V Secretary - Nelson McCracken, GA Region VI Secretary - Darla Romberger, PA

>> 2022-2023 NAAE MEMBERSHIP NAAE membership reached a 20-year high during our 2022-2023 membership year.

Total NAAE membership increased 5.85% from 2021-2022.

9,590

More than 746,902 teachers, students, stakeholders, and community members were impacted by more than 65 NAAE programs in 2023.

Total NAAE members in 2022-2023

7,801 Active Members 294 Active Life Members

1,088 Student Members 74 Associate Members

308 Retired Life Members

18 Retired Active Members

7 Associate Life Members

10% Active Membership Growth

State Association and Regional Membership Awards

Alaska California Connecticut Hawaii Indiana Louisiana Maryland Mississippi Montana Nebraska

Largest State Association Georgia

Nevada North Carolina Puerto Rico South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Washington West Virginia

Largest Regional Membership Region IV Largest Student Membership Wisconsin

Largest State Membership Percentage Increase Nevada Largest Regional Membership Percentage Increase Region I

>> 2023 NAAE PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES Current NAAE programs and opportunities are aimed at investing in our greatest asset; agricultural educators. They are centered around our three pillars: advancement through professional development, advocacy to ensure the growth and support for agricultural education programs, and agricultural educator recruitment, retention, and recognition.

NAAE Convention

State Teach Ag Results (STAR) Grant Program

By Choice Newsletter

#TeachAg Collegiate Contest

Regional Leadership Monthly Newsletters

National #TeachAg Day Celebration Kits

State Leaders Resource Center & Quarterly Newsletters

Tagged to #TeachAg Events

Global Teach Ag Partnerships

#TeachAg Lesson Plan-in-a-Box

Teacher Recruitment & Retention Best Practices

Future Agriscience Teacher Symposiums (FAST)

NAAE Convention Internships

National Supply & Demand Study - State and Regional

Upper Division Student Teacher Scholarship

National #TeachAg Ambassador Program

XLR8 2.0 Program

XLR8 - National Cohort for Experienced Teachers

NAAE Facilitator Program

Regional and State XLR8 Institutes

National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy

Agriscience Inquiry Learning Labs

Teachers Turn the Key Professional Development

National Teacher Appreciation Week

Early Career Elements State Institute

NAAE Agrisicence Inquiry Institutes (Ag I2)

Teacher Resiliency Professional Development Program

Ag Ed Strand at National Policy Seminar

State Leaders Training Program

Annual Symposium of the National Agriscience Teacher Ambassadors

Administrator Track at NAAE Convention Outstanding Early Career Teacher Award Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award Teacher Mentor Award Ideas Unlimited Award Lifetime Achievement Award Outstanding Service Award Regional Leadership Conferences Virtual Book Club Board & Committee Leadership

Tagged to #TeachAg Kits National #TeachAg Campaign Enrollment and Quarterly Communications Ag Teacher Wise & Well Program Professional State Association Awards #TeachAg Recruitment Booth at National FFA Convention Agricultural Education Relief Fund My Local Cooperative - Curriculum Kits and Grants Legislative Action Center

Bringing out the best in our students requires us to bring out the best in ourselves. But we never have to do that alone.

>> 2022 NATIONAL SUPPLY AND DEMAND STUDY

The National Supply and Demand Study is executed by AAAE (American Association of Agricultural Educators). NAAE is a collaborative partner with the AAAE National Supply and Demand Study Team.

The study strives to ensure a quality and diverse supply of agriculture teachers within the nation. The 2023 National Supply and Demand Data and Profiles will be available March 2024.

To learn more, visit www.naae.org/supplyanddemand or scan the QR code below.

14,500 Agricultural

Educators in the United States

Highlights

437 New Agricultural

Education Positions

• The demand for agriculture teachers continues to rise due to program growth, expansion, retirements, and job openings.

• 5% of agriculture teachers left the profession.

• The ratio of female to male teachers is nearly 50/50.

79% of

Ag Ed Graduates entered the classroom

548 Alternatively

Certified or Non-Licensed Hires

660

Agricultural Educators left teaching in 2022

• A 5% increase of agricultural education graduates entered the classroom from 2022.

• Alternative licensure and nonlicensed new hires accounted for 39% of new hires in 2022.

264

Schools interested in offering school-based Agricultural Education

National Association of Agricultural Educators www.naae.org | #TeachAg

NAAE celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023.

A lot has changed since our organization was formed in 1948, but our focus is still on providing agricultural educators the opportunity to come together for the betterment of their profession.

We started as a grassroots organization, and still pride ourselves today on being driven by the thoughtful leadership of agricultural educators from across the United States.

We celebrated our milestone anniversary in a number of ways, including a fun-filled celebration during the NAAE convention in Phoenix.

Our 75 for 75 Campaign invited anyone who had ever been positively impacted by NAAE, an agriculture teacher, or agricultural education to make a $75 donation and share their story. Stories were posted on our website, social media pages, and shared during convention.

“I am choosing to honor Gretchen Dingman, my Agriculture Teacher from Tri-Valley High School (Hegins, PA). She was the first female Agriculture teacher in Tri-Valley’s history. She encouraged me to use my farm background to become involved in an FFA chapter that was mostly male students at the time and not be afraid to pursue agriculture interests as a female. Her leadership and determination pushed me to pursue a career as an Ag Teacher! Photo was taken during our summer SAE visit.”

-Darla Romberger, Pennsylvania Ag Teacher Submission from the 75 for 75 Campaign

>> NATIONAL SUPPLY AND DEMAND PROFILES NAAE developed national, regional and state profiles from the National Supply and Demand study data. The profiles can be used to advocate for agricultural education to legislature, communities, and school districts.

2022 Agriculture Teacher Supply and Demand Overview Nationwide NAAE

Region III

Region I

Average Starting Salary Extended Contract Days Ag Teachers Ag Programs New Positions New Programs Retirements Left teaching Alt. Certified Non-Licensed Hires Positions To Fill Positions Lost Unfilled Full-Time Positions Unfilled Part-Time Positions Ag Ed Graduates Ag Ed Graduates Teaching Ag Ed Major Enrollment

Region I*

$44,841 27 2335 1190 106 71 28 134 55 12 209 31 21 0 140 117 438

Region II*

$45,935 44 4131 2307 48 23 19 85 68 23 126 7 11 0 242 187 901

Region III*

$39,054 21 1349 1042 58 23 27 135 62 27 182 11 24 3 113 94 295

Region VI

• Profiles are easily accessible on the NAAE website.

Region V

Region IV*

$41,017 39 2402 1638 98 52 42 185 85 39 274 9 11 1 150 112 433

Region V*

$41,843 40 2714 1876 66 48 41 218 26 85 248.5 35.5 47 1 158 124 457

• All 50 states and U.S. territories recieve a profile if they have supplied data.

• Profiles contain longitudinal data to evaluate state progress over time.

Region IV Region II

State Profile Overview

Region VI*

$49,214 20 1585 934 61 42 22 82 41 24 139 4 28 1 66 50 215

Nationwide*

$43,651 32 14516 8987 437 259 179 839 337 210 1178.5 97.5 142 6 869 684 2739

*not all states reported

www.aaaeonline.org/Teacher-Supply-and-Demand www.naae.org/supplyanddemand For more information contact: Dr. Daniel Foster, Penn State University, foster@psu.edu Dr. Rebecca Lawver, Utah State University, rebecca.lawver@usu.edu Dr. Amy Smith, University of Minnesota, arsmith@umn.edu Ashley Rogers, NAAE, arogers.naae@uky.edu

Scan the QR code to access all Supply and Demand profiles.

>> ACTE NATIONAL POLICY SEMINAR The ACTE National Policy Seminar (NPS) provides a leadership opportunity for members to learn the basics of influencing federal decision makers on legislation related to agricultural education.

Participants discussed key education policy, heard best practices for influencing federal policy related to CTE advocacy and messaging, and participated in Capitol Hill visits to meet with their respective U.S. representatives and congressional members.

NAAE provided registration for 12 teachers from 12 different states to attend the ACTE National Policy Seminar in March.

NAAE presented a professional development workshop focused on using actionable data to advocate for agricultural education programs.

Participants created tools to track growth, examine need, and build strategies to examine data trends.

More than 39 attendees participated in advocacy training, securing skills to take back to their home states.

>> NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK NAAE celebrated agriculture teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, 2023. The week-long celebration involved distributing Teacher Appreciation kits and highlighting agriculture teachers on NAAE social media accounts.

75 Teacher Appreciation Week kits were distributed to 36 states to let teachers know how much they are appreciated. The kits included a special edition 75th anniversary Ag Teacher’s Creed, a sticker pack, and a limited edition #TeachAg t-shirt.

More than 75 teachers were featured on NAAE social media accounts. Teachers were nominated with a photograph and excerpt submitted by colleagues, students, friends or family.

“I’d like to nominate my agriculture teacher Mr. Morton for this recognition because of the impact he has made on our program, in our school, and in my life.

Mr. Morton has a way of making his classes fun and engaging, but also memorable. He has pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and be the best person that I can be. I can’t image our school without him.

He is a bright light for so many and I am grateful to have him as my teacher.”

>> SUPPORTING STATES IN PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Two new pathway documents were developed by NAAE this year. Every state has a new and exciting state-specific version of the pathway to encourage others to #TeachAg. Each state document features a QR code that links to each institution in that state that offers an agricultural education major.

The new pathway guide is geared to recruit individuals into the agricultural education industry. The document is an easy-to-follow graphic that can be hung throughout communities, common spaces, and other areas to generate interest in becoming an agriculture teacher.

Teaching Agriculture is the

PREP FOR YOUR CAREER IN HIGH SCHOOL

Take agricultural education classes.

Get involved in FFA, Jr. MANRRS, 4-H.

START Enroll in a community college or university degree program.

Shadow an agriculture teacher.

Build your public speaking skills.

Practice teaching whenever possible.

PREP FOR YOUR CAREER IN COLLEGE

Complete college coursework.

Apply for agricultural education scholarships.

Attend agricultural education meetings and conferences.

Meet with faculty advisors and begin coursework!

MENTOR

the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and agriculturalists.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

by being a role model and positively impacting countless lives.

Become a NAAE student member.

Assist ag youth organizations as a judge, mentor and chaperone.

I

MOTIVATE

students through quality classroom and lab instruction, leadership development through FFA, and experiential learning.

Apply for NAAE programs like FAST and #TeachAg Ambassador.

Snap to find information about teaching ag in your state!

Engage in activities that build your resume.

It’s time to STUDENT TEACH!

National Association of Agricultural Educators

Study for your credentialing exams.

Find job postings on the NAAE website.

BEGIN THE BEST CAREER EVER!

www.naae.org | #TeachAg sponsored by

Earn your master’s degree before you take your first position OR during your teaching career.

>> AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS

76 students who are majoring in agricultural education were impacted in partnership with Agriculture Future of America and the AFA National Conference.

NAAE partners with the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization to host their Agricultural Education Contest. At the 2023 conference in Ankeny, IA there were 7 participants from 4 states.

NAAE strives to foster relationships with agricultural education related organizations and stakeholders to promote the profession to both pre-service and current agricultural educators.

These organizations and stakeholders work to provide opportunities, resources, and more for members!

THANK YOU TO THESE PARTNERS!

My Local Cooperative (MLC) is an initiative developed by NAAE and the CHS Foundation.

The initiative works to educate the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs about the benefits of and opportunities within agriculture cooperatives. MLC offers multiple resources to assist agricultural educators in sharing the work of cooperatives, including: • • • • •

Instructional Models Virtual Tour of a Cooperative Interactive Notebook Career Profiles Workshop Materials

The MLC Virtual Tour provides an interactive experience where students can visit different parts of a cooperative. The tour includes videos career profiles, agriculture facts, and more.

Career profiles found within the MLC Media Library offer an inside look into a variety of positions within a cooperative.

>> MEMBER BENEFITS

NAAE provides its members with easily accessible benefits. Member benefits are available for a variety of membership types, allowing NAAE to support agricultural educators at every age and every stage of their careers.

Member-Only Benefits

• Professional development specific to agricultural educators’ needs • Member-only Professional Development Cohorts • Professional development credit certification available through MyNAAE

NAAE Agricultural Educator Relief Fund The NAAE Agricultural Educator Relief Fund is designed to assist individual NAAE active members during a time of personal crisis or need. NAAE members may receive up to a $500 stipend to help them through a difficult time. The fund is made possible by the support of state associations and private donors. There is no deadline to apply; members may apply during any time of need. The fund works to unite NAAE members in supporting one another through donations.

• Recognition through Awards and Scholarships • Professional Liability Insurance Coverage and other insurance options through the Trust for Insuring Educators (for active, active life, and student members) • Resources and promotional materials to celebrate the profession of teaching agriculture.

• NAAE Agricultural Educator Relief Fund • Legislative advocacy for the profession and special access to the Legislative Action Center • Discounted NAAE rate to the ACTE CareerTech Vision conference • By Choice Newsletter • US Ag Ed Listserve

In 2023...

• Hotel discounts with Choice Hotels

• $13,811.42 was donated to the NAAE Agricultural Educator Relief Fund.

Student Members In addition to the same benefits as individual members, student members receive:

• $16,500 was distributed to 33 members in need

• Upper Division Student Teaching Scholarship • Future AgriScience Teacher (FAST) Symposium • #TeachAg Ambassador Program • #TeachAg Collegiate Contest

>> NAAE COMMITTEES There are five NAAE committees. Each of the committees has 18 members — three members from each of the six NAAE regions. The committee chairs and committee secretaries are elected by members of the respective committees from among the 18 members.

NAAE committees work to represent the full NAAE membership by making decisions regarding advocacy, agricultural education, NAAE programs and opportunities and more.

Serving on a committee is an important and respected role.

NAAE committees include:

• Advocacy in Agricultural Education

Advocacy in Agricultural Education

Financial Review

Member Experience

Professional Development

• Financial Review • Member Experience • Professional Development • Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Recognition Teacher Recruitment, Retention and Recognition

>> STAYING UP-TO-DATE WITH NAAE NAAE works to stay connected with members and stakeholders through timely communication and up-to-date information that is both approachable and informational. Two ways that NAAE stays easily connected with members and stakeholders is through NAAE social media platforms and the NAAE By Choice monthly recap.

NAAE By Choice

NAAE Social Media

The NAAE By Choice monthly newsletter is a place for members and stakeholders to find out what’s going on at NAAE. The monthly recap includes stories about agricultural educators and agricultural education, NAAE news, NAAE events and deadlines, NAAE opportunities and much more.

NAAE uses social media as a fun yet informative way to connect with members. You can find NAAE on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Youtube!

In 2023, 150 email campaigns were sent to NAAE members. Through the campaigns, NAAE By Choice had 676,688 sends with a 46% open rate.

• 1.3 million total post impressions

In 2023,

• 745 posts

• 48,000 followers across all platforms • 1,200 new social media followers

>> LEADING WITHIN NAAE NAAE prides itself on being a grassroots organization, which means it couldn’t function without input and leadership from our members. There are many ways for members to become more involved in NAAE. Below are several opportunities with a brief overview of the commitment and types of skills involved.

NAAE Board of Directors and Regional Secretaries NAAE is governed by a board of directors elected by the NAAE membership. The board of directors consists of a president, president elect, and six vice presidents — one for each of NAAE’s six regions.

The six regional secretaries and past president are important contributors to NAAE leadership, but they are not members of the NAAE board of directors.

NAAE Committees NAAE members can run for three year terms on each of NAAE’s five standing committees.

Committees meet virtually, so there is the opportunity to contribute even if your ability to travel is limited.

Special Appointments NAAE maintains positions on a number of agricultural education boards and committees. NAAE members are appointed to fill these positions by the NAAE board.

NAAE members who are interested in representing the association can express their interest to a member of the NAAE board or staff.

NAAE Awards Judging Volunteers for the NAAE Awards Judging Committee help select regional winners for awards. Judging assignments will be made

by NAAE staff. Volunteers cannot judge an award application from a member of their own NAAE region. The established regional rotation of judging NAAE awards will be used to determine which applications will be judged by which committee members.

For more information about these opportunities, scan the QR code or visit https://www.naae.org/resources/leadership_volunteer.cfm

>> STATE RESOURCES

PSA Awards

NAAE Professional State Association (PSA) award winners were recognized during the 2023 NAAE Convention. PSA award winners are state associations who have aggressively engaged in certain well-planned activities designed to serve the best interest of the members and the profession.

Thirteen states were awarded the highest distinction of Exemplary, 11 were awarded Visionary, and 4 were awarded Innovative.

We also recognized four States of Distinction: Advocacy in Agricultural Education Mississippi Association of Agricultural Educators Member Experience North Carolina Agriculture Teachers Association Professional Development Oklahoma Agricultural Education Teacher Association Teacher Recruitment, Retention & Recognition Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers

State Leader Training at NAAE Convention NAAE offers trainings and resources for state leaders of agricultural education to help ensure that each state association can excel.

In 2023, NAAE hosted a State Leaders Training during the NAAE Convention in Phoenix.

• 26 states participated

• 62 individuals attended

The Future Agriscience Teacher (FAST) Symposium is a professional development experience for preservice agricultural education majors which provides customized professional development, networking, and mentoring with current and future agriculture teachers from across the country. FAST is sponsored by the CHS Foundation, Corteva Agriscience, BASF, Bayer, and Growth Energy FAST - IDEAP The 2023 NAAE Future Agriscience Teacher (FAST) Symposium-Creating an Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Accessible Program was held March 1-4, 2023, in Lexington, KY. NAAE was honored to host 19 preservice agricultural educators who represented 14 different universities.

FAST - #TeachAg Day NAAE held the 2023 National #TeachAg Day Future Agriscience Teacher (FAST)Symposium in Portland, Oregon. 11 preservice agricultural educators participated, representing eight institutions.

FAST - NAAE Convention NAAE held the 2023 Future Agriscience Teacher (FAST) Symposium at NAAE Convention in Phoenix Arizona. 76 pre-service agricultural educators participated, representing 14 institutions, earning 1,050 professional development hours.

During the 2023 NAAE Convention in Phoenix, we celebrated 75 years of our organization with the more than 875 attendees who joined us. #NAAE23 By the Numbers • 61 agricultural educators, 12 regional citation recipients, and 12 middle/high/postsecondary programs recognized as 2023 NAAE Award Winners • 2,579 hours of professional development awarded • 89 professional development workshops offered • 17 past National NAAE Officers in attendance • 91 preservice teachers attended, representing 14 institutions • 138 teachers engaged in career specific workshops and earned 927 hours of professional development credit

Members and Partners Reception •

More than 500 NAAE members participated in the members and partner reception.

• 24 partners were present at the reception.

• Over $10,000 in prizes were given to members who participated in the Members and Partners Reception.

>> PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL NAAE provides quality professional development that is specific to agricultural educators and allows them to earn professional development credit hours for participation.

NAAE Professional Development by the Numbers • 156 opportunities presented • 46 states reached

• 17,342 PD hours obtained • 4,486 teachers reached

• 626,936 students impacted

>> PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE REGIONAL & STATE LEVEL

In addition to conduction professional development programs at the national level, NAAE also helps states and regions provide timely and relevant professional development to agricultural educators closer to home.

Regional Conferences

Six Regional Conferences were held across the nation with more than 700 attendees in 2023.

• Region I - Big Sky, MT • Region II - Hot Springs, AR • Region III - Alexandria, MN • Region IIII - Archbold, OH • Region V - St. Augustine, FL • Region VI - Allentown, NJ Ag I2

NAAE hosted eight state Agriscience Inquiry Institutes (Ag I2) with participants from nine different states which impacted 162 teachers and 22,763 students.

Teacher Resiliency

NAAE launched the Teacher Resiliency program as part of our Wise and Well Initiatives. This program was presented to 3 states, and 139 teachers earned 140 hours of professional development. This program focuses on building resiliency through active learning, self-reflection, and engaging in a network of peers. Participants leave with tools to help them maintain a satisfying career through both positive and challenging times.

XLR8

NAAE hosted seven state XLR8 institutes in seven different states which impacted 97 teachers and 7,780 students.

Early Career Elements

NAAE piloted the first Early Career Elements program this year in six states across the nation.

94 teachers participated, earning 661 hours of professional development. It is estimated that more than 11,463 students will be impacted by educators who participated in this program. This cohort experience focused on agriculture teachers who are in their 2nd-5th years of teaching.

>> MEMBER-TO-MEMBER LEARNING

NAAE offers many opportunities for members to develop and present vetted and rigorous professional development to colleagues and fellow members. Through member-to-member workshops, presenters are able to fully connect with workshop participants, allowing them to target their specific needs and provide quality learning.

NAAE Convention During NAAE Convention, there were 89 professional development workshops presented. 74 of those were presented by NAAE members — 83% of all our workshops during convention!

The National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy (NATAA) was held in July 2023 and trained 15 new Ambassadors from 15 different states. Collectively they earned 720 hours of inquiry-based teaching professional development credit. The Ambassadors facilitated workshops at National FFA Convention and NAAE Convention in the fall of 2023.

Inquiry-Based Workshops for Teachers Through NAAE National Agriscience Teacher Ambassadors, NAAE hosted seven Inquiry- Based Workshops for teachers in seven different states, impacting 83 teachers and 4,826 students.

National FFA Convention During 2023, at both the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo and NAAE Convention, 15 NAAE National Agriscience Teacher Ambassadors presented 10 workshops which impacted a total of 329 agriculture teachers, who gained a total of 411.25 hours of professional development.

“This program has allowed me insight on how to teach my kids how to problem solve. That is one of the biggest things that drives me crazy as a teacher.

If you do not just give students the answer, they just give up. But this program opened my eyes to a fun way to get students curious about things and then figure out the answer to their own curiosity.”

- Niccole Morfin, UT National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Program

“This program really helped me to open my eyes to how valuable I really am as an agriculture teacher and how I can be effective with boundaries. I learned a lot about taking care of yourself first to be the best teacher you desire to be. I also feel better about my decisions and not feeling guilty about those decisions.” #TakeTheDay -Anonymous participant in XLR8 Program

The State Teach Ag Results (STAR) Program was created

by NAAE in 2014 as an effort to increase recruitment and retention of agricultural educators at the state level.

The STAR program helps state create attainable and effective recruitment and retention plans that are ready to be implemented.

• 39 total STAR states • 94,553 high school students impacted • 4,807 postsecondary students impacted • 16,134 teachers impacted • 19,785 stakeholders impacted • 115,480 total individuals impacted • $282,847 in teacher recruitment and retention funds distributed

>> 2023 NAAE NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS Outstanding Early Career Teacher Award Region I Jaimie Brentano, OR Region II Randy Bean, OK Region III Alysha Kientopf, SD Region IV Rylyn Small, MO Region V Hunter Morton, SC Region VI Rayne Ives, NY Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher Award Region I Stephanie Schofield, OR Region II Kadie Smith, OK Region III Mary Handrich, WI Region IV Donald Barnhart, OH Region V Matthew Barnhill, NC Region VI Melessa Suder, VA Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award Region I El Capitan High School, CA Region II Tonganoxie High School, KS Region III Southeast Region Career & Technical Center, ND Region IV Streator Township High School, IL Region V Bell High School, FL Region VI Royalton-Hartland High School, NY Teacher Mentor Award Region I JD Cant, OR Region II Jacob Larison, KS Region III Dr. TJ Brown, MN Region IV Annette Applegate, IN Region V Ann Johnson, TN Region VI Sara Seiser, MD

Outstanding Postsecondary Agricultural Education Program Award Region I Laramie County Community College, WY Region II Oklahoma State University, OK Region III University of Minnesota Crookston, MN Region IV Illinois State university, IL Region V Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA Region VI The Pennsylvania State University, PA Ideas Unlimited Award Region I Kelsey Williams, ID Region II Nicole Hinrichsen, KS Region III Joe Ramstad and Janelle Hueners, MN Region IV Taylor Wilkinson, IL Region V Allie Crockett, GA Region VI Lisa Boltz, PA Lifetime Achievement Award Region I Kip Hanson, UT Region II Greg Cash, CO Region III Roger King, WI Region IV Jeff Maierhofer, IL Region V Dr Frank Flanders, GA Region VI Joseph Linthicum, MD Outstanding Service Award Region I Thomas Clifton, ID Region II ML Lockwood, OK Region III Terry Rieckman, SD Region IV Dean Dittmar, IL Region V Jerry Johnson, TN Region VI Thomas Hojnowski, PA

The 2023 NAAE National #TeachAg Day Celebration was held in Portland, Oregon on September 21, 2023.

NAAE distributed 100 #TeachAg Day Celebration Kits that included the first ever #TeachAg Lesson Plan-In-a-Box to teachers to promote teaching agriculture as a career in their classrooms. We also provided 36 collegiate and state association #TeachAg Day Celebration Kits. These kits reached more than 20,174 students, teachers, preservice teachers, postsecondary educators, and agricultural education supporters in 41 states and one U.S. territory.

116 #Tagged to Teach Ag Kits were purchased to be used in 28 different states.

During 2023, NAAE provided 186 agricultural educators from 42 different states with a #TeachAg Lesson PlanIn-a-Box to help them recruit their students into the profession of teaching agriculture. These kits were distributed through the 2023 NAAE #TeachAg Day Celebration Kits and 2 workshops presented at both the 96th National FFA Convention and NAAE Convention.

The National #TeachAg Day Webcast was held at the Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center in Milwaukie, Oregon.

Kathy Mayfield, the North Clackmas Agriculture Program & FFA Chapter, and Broadcasting and Journalism students from the Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center hosted and did the technical production of the webcast. With their help, the webcast was viewed in more than 15,000 classrooms, offices, homes, and on other digital platforms across the nation.

As part of the #TeachAg campaign, NAAE created the #TeachAg: It Starts in the Classroom video to highlight the hard work, dedication, and importance of agricultural educators.

The video was filmed at LaRue County high school in Hodgenville, KY and features LaRue County High School students as well as agriculture teachers and NAAE members Misty Bivens and Chris Thomas. Scan the QR code or visit NAAE’s YouTube to watch!

Included as part of the #TeachAg celebration were downloadable wallpapers that celebrated the profession and included NAAE branding. A variety of wallpapers were created that could be used as phone, watch, and computer backgrounds.

Wallpapers were distributed to NAAE members to thank them for being an Ag Teacher By Choice, Not By Chance!

>> TODAY’S AGRICULTURAL EDUCATORS

One of NAAE’s missions is supporting current agricultural educators, with a special focus on increasing the retention of current agricultural educators and improving their overall career satisfaction. NAAE implements specific strategies to ensure teachers feel encouraged, valued, and satisfied.

Wise & Well Wednesday The Wise & Well Wednesday initiative, powered by the CHS Foundation, offers wellness tips to members through NAAE social media channels. The easily implementable tips are posted each Wednesday and are tailored to support agricultural educators and their specific needs.

National XLR8 Program During the 2023 NAAE Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, NAAE brought together 20 teachers representing 20 states for the National XLR8 Program. In total, these 20 teachers impacted 3,478 students.

Teachers Turn the Key 37 teachers participated in the Teachers Turn the Key cohort at NAAE Convention, earning 444 hours of professional development impacting more than 8,327 students. This program is specifically for teachers in their 3-5 year of teaching, and focuses on finding your “why” in education, time management, delegation, and other strategies to increase career satisfaction.

>> TOMORROW’S AGRICULTURAL EDUCATORS

A large part of NAAE’s work is recruiting agricultural educators into the profession through the NAAE National #TeachAg Campaign, workshops presented by the #TeachAg Ambassadors, distributing student materials, and more!

#TeachAg Ambassadors NAAE National #TeachAg Ambassadors are selected individuals who are passionate about the profession and sharing its message. They work diligently to recruit future agriculture teachers and spread the #TeachAg message.

During 2023, NAAE National #TeachAg Ambassadors were hard at work.

• 13 Workshops were conducted in 8 different states which impacted 719 students.

• During the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo, #TeachAg Ambassadors impacted 1,856 students from 49 different states by encouraging them to sign up for the NAAE National #TeachAg Campaign.

#TeachAg Campaign In 2023, NAAE sent three emails as part of the NAAE National #TeachAg Campaign with a total of 3,669 unique sends and an average 54% open rate.

NAAE has been actively engaged in the National FFA Convention and Expo for more than 50 years. The 96th National FFA Convention and Expo was held in Indianapolis, IN, during November 1-4, 2023. NAAE offered many opportunities for members and educators, high school students, and preservice teachers to connect with the profession and learn about NAAE! NAAE Member and Educator Opportunities NAAE Educator’s Lounge More than 1500 teachers who impact 167,300 students annually visited the NAAE Educators Lounge at the National FFA Convention & Expo powered by the CHS Foundation Inc. Ag Teacher Wellness Packs 1000 NAAE Wellness Packs were distributed to teachers who visited the lounge. The packs were filled with items to promote self-care during National FFA Convention. The packs also included a habit tracker to promote establishing healthy habits.

NAAE Agriscience Learning Labs Corteva Agriscience sponsored the NAAE Agriscience Learning Labs during the convention.

The learning labs offered professional development sessions that focused on inquirybased agriscience instruction. The Learning Lab also emphasizes literacy and common core instruction as part of agricultural education and were taught by a team of National Agriscience Teacher Ambassadors.

High School Student and Pre-Service Teacher Opportunities NAAE National #TeachAg Booth NAAE focused on recruiting potential agricultural educators at National FFA Convention through its #TeachAg Booth. The booth provided information about the profession, ways to engage with the National #TeachAg Campaign, exciting games and giveaways, and promotional materials. NAAE #TeachAg Ambassadors engaged with more than 1800 FFA members at the booth who signed up to be a part of the #TeachAg Campaign.

NAAE National #TeachAg Workshops: “Find a Career That is Out of This World” More than 395 FFA members attended two workshops hosted by #TeachAg Ambassadors to explore the career of teaching agriculture.

Students were engaged through activities, presentations, and first-person testimonials.

National Alpha Tau Alpha Conclave NAAE is a proud sponsor of the National Alpha Tau Alpha Conclave. During convention, NAAE recognized 100% membership institutions and NAAE Upper Division Scholarship recipients, which totaled more than $30,000 provided to students teachers during their student teaching semesters.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATORS 2525 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 967-2892 or (800) 509-0204 www.naae.org I #TeachAg