Featuring Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Awards, Outstanding Middle/Secondary Ag. Ed. Program, Preservice Recognition, the ACTE Ag Ed Division Business session and NAAE Meet the Candidates - Q & A time with the NAAE President Elect candidates.
Wednesday December 2, 2026 9:00am - 10:45am CST TBA
Looking for an engaging, hands-on activity that combines creativity, entrepreneurship, and ag education? This interactive workshop will guide participants through the process of planning and implementing a successful floral bouquet bar experience within an ag education or horticulture program. Participants will learn strategies for flower selection, sourcing materials, organizing a bouquet bar setup, pricing products for profitability, and creating a memorable customer experience. During the workshop, attendees will participate in a mini flower bar activity by designing and creating their own bouquet while learning practical tips that can be directly applied in the classroom, greenhouse, floral design lab, plant sale, or student-run floral shop. This session will provide educators with ideas to enhance classroom/laboratory instruction, support student entrepreneurship and work-based learning opportunities, and strengthen program marketing and community engagement.
Recruiting girls into Agricultural Mechanics pathways is only the first step - creating a culture where they thrive is what makes all the difference. In this workshop, participants will discover practical strategies to recruit girls, build confidence, foster belonging, and create a culture where students are truly Built to Belong. Learn practical, ready-to-use ideas to increase retention in the Power, Structure, and Technical Systems pathway while fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Whether you're just getting started or you're considered a "wise old owl," you'll leave with strategies you can implement to help every student succeed.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming teaching and learning, creating new opportunities for teacher educators to better prepare future agricultural educators. This interactive workshop will explore practical strategies for integrating AI throughout pre-service teacher preparation while emphasizing ethical use, instructional decision-making, and authentic learning. Participants will examine examples of AI-supported lesson planning, assessment development, classroom management, reflective practice, and student teaching supervision. Discussion will also address strategies for helping pre-service teachers critically evaluate AI-generated content and develop responsible professional practices. Attendees will leave with adaptable resources and implementation ideas that can be incorporated into agricultural teacher education programs regardless of institution size or available technology.
Dr. Ramsey anchors his teaching philosophy on student success. He believes students are a direct reflection of the program, institution, and faculty. In addition, he focuses his teaching on preparing students who have identified school-based agricultural education as their college... Read More →
Does your person have glasses? No! Does your person have long hair? Yes! How does the game "Guess Who" relate to plant disorders? Join us as we explore strategies for engaging students in scientific classification, guiding them through the process of building their own dichotomous keys, and challenging their critical thinking all while keeping learning active and exciting.
Today's students are surrounded by adults who care deeply about their success—but sometimes that support unintentionally prevents them from developing the resilience, responsibility, and independence needed to thrive. This workshop explores how parents, employers, volunteers, alumni, advisory committees, and community members can become partners in building work-ready students rather than barriers to their growth. Participants will examine common ways adults accidentally undermine grit and accountability, learn strategies for promoting productive struggle, and develop practical tools for communicating expectations beyond the classroom. Walk away with ideas for engaging families and community stakeholders in creating a culture where students learn to take ownership, overcome challenges, and develop the mindset skills necessary for success in work, school, and life.
This session will cover SAE setup tips and key areas of record keeping that can also help your students' FFA Awards. More current and accurate records can teach students important skills and also lead to improved award applications at all levels (State or National)
Howdy! I have spent the past 25 years helping programs track and promote educational experiences using both economic and learning outcomes, but in 2007, I partnered with a great team to develop an online system that is now used annually by over 800,000 students and 9,000 education... Read More →
As we push the boundaries of livestock advancements, new challenges and groundbreaking solutions emerge. Here is your chance to immerse yourself into genetics while gaining a hands-on activity to introduce into your classroom with the latest genetic innovation. In this workshop, you will crossbreed sheep and predict which genetic diseases may show up – diseases the industry is working hard to eliminate. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and engage in a real-world activity that showcases an effective way to practice predicting dihybrid crosses, using Punnett Squares, etc. This is not just any workshop – It’s an adventure in genetics that will leave you inspired and equipped with practical knowledge to bring back to your classroom.
Agricultural Educator, NAAE Agriscience Ambassador/ Jack Hille Middle School
I am an agricultural educator and passionate advocate for accessible, relevant agricultural education. Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, I did not grow up on a farm but discovered my passion for agriculture through 4-H and an agriculture class in high school. I earned my B.S... Read More →
Wednesday December 2, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST TBA
Creating a program that balances the Ag Ed World of Classroom, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences can feel like a true balancing act. In this workshop you will explore free turn-key resources that can help you to find the perfect balance for your program. You will leave with lesson plans, engaging student activities, and planning tools to assist you in conquering the balancing act!
Have you ever received flowers? How did they make you feel!? This workshop examines the impact that floral arrangements can have on people. Combine creativity with science in this unique workshop where you will learn to integrate floral design and plant repotting as the foundation for authentic scientific investigation. You will practice building bud vases, then discover how to guide students through hypothesis development and emotional response data collection. This innovative, inquiry-based approach integrates hands-on horticulture skills with the scientific method, data collection and analysis, and social media presentation. Perfect for educators seeking meaningful, interdisciplinary projects that connect technical skills with inquiry-based learning. There is 'Power in the Flower', and your students will be able to collect the data to prove it!
Rustie graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, in 2001, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Rustie moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University to study Horticulture and Entomology. While working in the labs and greenhouses there, she decided to pursue teaching... Read More →
Wednesday December 2, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST TBA
This interactive workshop equips high school agricultural educators with practical strategies to help students recognize and evaluate misinformation and disinformation in agricultural media. Participants will explore key differences between these concepts, examine real-world examples, and engage in activities designed to build critical thinking skills. The session emphasizes classroom-ready tools and instructional approaches that integrate media literacy into existing curricula, empowering students to make informed decisions about agricultural issues. Attendees will leave with resources and ideas to foster thoughtful analysis, questioning, and discussion of media messages in their agricultural education programs.
Discover how culturally responsive agriculture education can increase student engagement, leadership development, and academic success. This workshop shares practical strategies for integrating Indigenous knowledge, local traditions, community connections, and student cultural identity into agriculture curriculum, SAE programs, and FFA Activities. Participants will explore real work examples from two agriculture educators serving the predominantly Native American (Navajo) student population in rural NM. Attendees will leave with adaptable lessons, activities, resources, that can be implemented in any agriculture education program to create meaningful learning experiences, foster belonging, and strengthen student leadership while honoring the cultures and communities they serve.
Howdy, I am an Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor from Shiprock High School; Shiprock, NM serving students on the Navajo Nation. I've been teaching agriculture since 2000 and have been passionate about helping students discover their potential through agriculture, FFA, SAE, and hands... Read More →
It's easy to feel drained by the never ending "to do" list of being an Ag teacher, managing a unique blend of classroom, FFA chapter, shop/greenhouse inventory, and SAE supervision. This hands-on session transforms agricultural educators from 'survival mode' to 'systems mode.' Learn practical automation workflows specifically for Ag Ed. We'll use Google Gems for instant help with event planning, banquet scripts, and officer retreat logistics. Master NFC tags for tool and official dress sign-outs, and Apple Shortcuts for contract tracking and more. You will leave with 10 ready-to-use digital automations to reclaim your valuable time.
Discover how robotics, automation, coding, and hands-on problem solving are transforming modern agriculture and inspiring the next generation of learners. This engaging workshop introduces educators to the Agricultural Robotics and Automation Technologies (ARAT) National Science Foundation project. Teachers will learn about innovative, classroom-ready modules that can be integrated into agriculture and CTE pathways. Participants will experience real-world applications using sensors, robotics, automation systems, and coding activities designed to increase student engagement, creativity, and workforce readiness. The workshop also highlights opportunities for educators to join the project's final implementation year and collaborate with a supportive national network of teachers and industry partners.
CASE 4 Learning Director, National Council for Agricultural Education
I began working with CASE 4 Learning (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) in 2009 when I became a Lead Teacher and assisted in developing the Principles of Agriculture – Plant course. I have been involved in curriculum development for Agricultural Mechanics and Engineering... Read More →
This workshop explores strategies for integrating the Veterinary Science FFA CDE into classroom instruction to increase student engagement and contest readiness. Participants will receive ready-to-use resources including guided handouts, personality assessments and rubrics for veterinary practicums. Emphasis will be placed on connecting technical skill development and classroom content by adapting existing FFA activities to reinforce contest skills such as handling and clinical procedures. By the end of the session, advisors and teachers will leave with practical tools and ideas to immediately implement in their programs to strengthen both student knowledge and competitive performance.
Cattle production varies greatly across the U.S. and worldwide. The Cattleman's Choice contest allows chapters to engage their students to learn about this diverse production system. The virtual monthly contest allows chapters to think about cattle production by getting in the mind of a commercial cattleman or cattlewoman who is buying bulls for their herd. This contest is designed to allow chapters a monthly educational opportunity to think about bull selection and EPD's. This workshop will describe how current educators are using this contest as a tool to impact students through data analysis, real world scenarios, and decision-making. A practical real-world look into beef cattle production.
Your leadership is needed and valued! Finding your niche in navigating fulfilling leadership opportunities without biting off too much. Whether in your school, community, or professional organizations, leadership opportunities abound. This workshop will provide strategies to develop a personal service plan to engage with purpose. Your leadership is needed, to be your best requires a plan!
Agriscience research can feel overwhelming for both teachers and students. Learn how our three-course agriscience pathway guides more than 200 students annually through authentic agricultural research projects from question selection to final paper submission. Participants will explore a scaffolded system that emphasizes student choice across all AFNR pathways while providing the structure necessary for project completion. Discover research question banks, AI-supported writing tools, interactive notebook activities, project timelines, and accountability systems that reduce teacher workload and increase student success. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use resources, lesson sequences, and templates that can be adapted to make agriscience research more manageable, accessible, and impactful in their own programs.
This interactive workshop, based on strategies and practices from the DELTA Leadership Conference, will help educators strengthen student engagement by refining their classroom facilitation skills. Participants will explore how intentional communication techniques, including economy of language, clear expectations, purposeful questioning, and effective direction-giving, can increase student ownership, participation, and learning outcomes. Through practical examples, discussion, and application activities, educators will learn how to create student-centered environments where instructions are understood, transitions are efficient, and engagement remains high throughout the learning process.
I am beginning year 26 at Mission Valley teaching agricultural education. I love being an Ag teacher and mom. I love helping other teachers in the classroom and learning how to teach every student, every day.
Wednesday December 2, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST TBA
Enhance your students' animal and vet science knowledge with these simple, cost-effective, creative hands-on simulations. Through interactive labs and discussions, participants will gain insights into veterinary science and animal industry practices, leaving with practical tools to enrich students' learning environments worldwide. Participants will create a cattle castration model and an IV injection/blood draw model. Participants will also learn how to create simple models for dehorning and lambing/kidding simulation and will take home plans to do so. Participants will leave this session with hands-on practice, ideas and plans that can be adapted to their classroom environments to enhance students' learning centering on animal and veterinary sciences.
Conflict is an inevitable part of teaching, yet many beginning teachers feel underprepared to navigate challenging interpersonal situations. This workshop focuses on equipping pre-service agricultural educators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage conflict with students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and community stakeholders. Participants will explore practical instructional strategies, authentic learning activities, role-playing scenarios, and reflective exercises that build communication, professionalism, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. Presenters will share classroom activities and field-based experiences that help future teachers develop confidence before entering the profession. Participants will leave with adaptable resources designed to strengthen conflict management instruction within agricultural teacher education programs.
Learn how to help students begin and grow their SAE. Engage through meaningful discussion and turn-key resources to help connect student interests and begin mapping out SAE plans. You will leave with tools and resources to SAE like a Pro!
Looking for engaging alternatives to traditional dissections? This workshop explores innovative, ethical, and hands-on ways to teach anatomy without the need for animal specimens. Participants will discover interactive models, simulations, labs, and classroom strategies that maintain rigor while increasing student comfort and accessibility. Learn how to implement cost-effective, ready-to-use activities that still provide meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Whether addressing student concerns, limited resources, or program needs, this session will equip you with practical tools to confidently teach anatomy in new and impactful ways
This workshop introduces participants to Investigating Agricultural Biotechnology (IAB), a CASE curriculum designed to help students explore the science, skills, and industry applications of agricultural biotechnology. Participants will gain an overview of how the curriculum connects classroom learning to real-world biotechnology research, product development, and manufacturing processes. The session will highlight how students investigate biotechnology concepts through hands-on, inquiry-based learning while examining how products move from the research laboratory into regulated production environments. Professionals from the biotechnology industry will share insights into current practices, career pathways, quality systems, and the skills needed in today's biotech workforce. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how IAB prepares students to connect agricultural science, biotechnology innovation, and industry expectations.
CASE 4 Learning Director, National Council for Agricultural Education
I began working with CASE 4 Learning (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) in 2009 when I became a Lead Teacher and assisted in developing the Principles of Agriculture – Plant course. I have been involved in curriculum development for Agricultural Mechanics and Engineering... Read More →
Scientist with 26 years of industry experience developing agricultural products. Grew up in Ecuador and love using cell biology & imaging to understand how things work and accelerate discoveries. Now I also spend time sharing what I have learned through mentoring and supporting e... Read More →
Wednesday December 2, 2026 4:30pm - 5:00pm CST TBA
This session will cover AET's simple Foundational SAE entries to help students get started, and programs reach 100% SAEs. This is also part of the free AETBasic system, so learn how these tools work and help get your student's SAE started. We will also cover classroom educational resources to help you implement Foundational SAEs.
Howdy! I have spent the past 25 years helping programs track and promote educational experiences using both economic and learning outcomes, but in 2007, I partnered with a great team to develop an online system that is now used annually by over 800,000 students and 9,000 education... Read More →
Strong agricultural education programs are not built in isolation. They grow when teachers intentionally develop relationships with administrators, counselors, district leaders, school board members, elected officials, industry partners, parents, and community stakeholders. This workshop will help agricultural educators think strategically about program advocacy, communication, recruitment, and stakeholder engagement. Led by two former agriculture teachers turned administrators, supporting some of the largest agriculture programs in Tennessee, this session will offer perspectives from both sides of the desk. Participants will explore what administrators need to understand about agricultural education, how teachers can communicate program needs effectively, and how relationships can strengthen enrollment, resources, facilities, staffing, and community support. Participants will leave with a practical action plan for building champions for their local program.
Bring agricultural risk management to life in your classroom with Farming is Risky Business (FRB). This interactive workshop introduces educators to an engaging, classroom-ready workshop that help students understand the risks facing today's agricultural producers and the tools available to manage them. Participants will explore the FRB workshop, mini courses, and upcoming case studies while discovering practical ways to incorporate risk management into existing agribusiness and agricultural education curriculum. Through our partnership with the USDA Risk Management Agency, these resources are available to educators at no cost. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use materials, fresh instructional ideas, and the confidence to teach real-world agricultural decision-making.
Give your students a better understanding of the Beef Checkoff and why it matters to their future in the beef industry. We'll cover a quick Beef Checkoff 101, share Checkoff-funded resources you can use in your classroom and explore why future producers should understand where the dollar goes. You'll leave with practical information, helpful resources and ideas for getting students more involved in the beef industry.
Discover practical strategies to grow and strengthen agricultural education programs through purposeful advocacy, marketing, alumni engagement, and community partnerships. In this workshop, participants will explore real-world approaches to increasing program awareness, boosting student enrollment, building alumni support, and creating meaningful connections with local businesses and stakeholders. Through examples of successful outreach efforts, social media implementation, event planning, and partnership development, attendees will leave with actionable ideas to increase visibility, secure community support, and create sustainable growth for their agriculture programs. Whether you are looking to expand enrollment, improve community involvement, or strengthen your program's impact, this session will provide tools and inspiration to help your program thrive. Based on proven successes in agricultural education, participants will gain strategies they can immediately implement in their own schools and communities.
Just a Card Game shows teachers how to turn simple card games into engaging learning activities. Participants will learn how to create cards that help students recognize, match, recall, and apply content using familiar games like Spoons, Go Fish, Guess Who, and Memory.
Are you looking for a high-interest project that bridges the gap between Ag Mechanics, Natural Resources, and STEM? Join us for an immersive look at how custom rod building and lure design can transform your classroom engagement.
As the demand for qualified agricultural educators continues to outpace supply, alternative certification pathways have become critical to sustaining agricultural education programs nationwide. Although alternatively certified teachers often bring strong industry experience and content expertise, they frequently report challenges related to pedagogy, classroom management, program administration, and work‑life balance. This session will showcase Oklahoma‑developed micro‑credential courses designed specifically to support alternatively certified agricultural educators during their early years in the profession. Participants will explore the structure, content, and assessment strategies of the micro‑credential, which emphasizes practical classroom application, mentorship, and competency‑based learning. Beyond the micro‑credential model, this session will facilitate guided discussion around additional state‑ and national‑level supports, including mentor structures, professional learning communities, targeted induction practices, and policy considerations. Attendees will leave with transferable strategies and resources to strengthen support systems for alternatively certified agricultural educators in their own states.
Whether you are new to FFA elections or a seasoned advisor, the Officer election process can bring the most stress: From parent phone calls, to student heartbreak. In this session we will dive deep into a step-by-step guide to a transparent process that parents and students will actually respect, ensuring that by the time the slate is posted, the results are indisputable.
Agricultural science is ever evolving. We must adapt our classrooms to the changing landscape of technology and education. How do you provide your students with more hands-on exploration of agricultural and science concepts? VR could be your answer! Stop by and see how you can integrate Virtual Reality into your agriculture, mechanics, and science classes to bring your curriculum to life!
