Teaching agriculture can be overwhelming, especially for new and beginning teacher. If your class schedule is anything like mine, you will plan for and teach more classes than most teachers in your building (we have a 9 period day, and I teach 8 different classes).
As agriculture teachers, we are knowledgeable in many areas of agriculture, but not necessarily experts. The AgEd Family provides a wealth of resources, knowledge, and support, all of which are very valuable as you plan and execute you lessons. However, some of the resources for teaching, that I have found most valuable, are found right in my local community.
Below are the 3 community resources that I use to enhance learning opportunities for my students:
1. Local Agriculturists
Once you have established yourself in a school, it is important to get to know the local agriculturists. They are an invaluable resource to your program. I visit area farms on a regular basis for field trips, SAE visits, and Career Development Events. From hobby farms to large scale, I have yet to find a farm that isn’t willing to help out my students. This year one of our local crop farmers donated an acre of potatoes to our FFA Chapter to use as a fundraiser! Your local agriculturists also make a great addition to you Occupational Advisory Committee and Local Advisory Committee.
2. Extension Offices
County extension offices provide enormous amounts of resources, for FREE! The extension agents are also great for guest speakers and CDE judges. In small areas, such as Potter County, most of my FFA members are also 4-H members, so my FFA students work with the 4-H Educators and members to plan and teach Progressive Agriculture Safety Days in the Spring of each year.
3. Community Businesses & Organizations
Community Businesses & Organizations have helped to open up many opportunities for my students to demonstrate and develop knowledge and skills in agriculture. A few examples of organizations that we work with on a regular basis include: the local nursing home, the county fair association, the borough, and new this year the Rotary. Specific examples include:
- At the local nursing home my students work with the staff and residents to help establish and maintain the enabling gardens so that the residents can enjoy produce, vibrantly colored flora, and the opportunity to learn from students.
- The county fair association created a Jr. Fair Board, which provides an opportunity for youth to expand their leadership skills and help to improve our county fair. Many of my FFA members have taken advantage of this and learned about leadership through a whole new perspective
- My 12th grade agriscience class has the responsibility of growing all of the bedding plants, vegetables, and hanging baskets for our annual spring plant sale. Recently, we have made a connection with our borough office, and the students are now responsible for growing all of the arrangements that are hung from the light posts around town.
- This year we plan to work with our local Rotary group, as an opportunity for students to practice their public speaking. Local groups, such as the Rotary, love to have students come and talk about their experiences and interests, and in my experiences, have always provided positive feedback and constructive criticism.
While the list of resources I provided is minimal, for my program they are essential. I encourage you to make connections within your community, and take advantage of the resources that it has to offer. Not only does it help to broaden the horizons of your students, but it helps to make the public more aware of agriculture education, FFA, and promotes your school district in a positive manner.
Submitted by:
Emily Kellogg
Agriscience Teacher
Coudersport HS (PA)
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