FFA banquets are one of the most important traditions in agricultural education, but planning them can quickly become overwhelming. This workshop will provide agriculture teachers and FFA advisors with practical strategies, organizational tools, and time-saving systems for hosting a successful and memorable FFA banquet. Participants will learn tips and tricks for banquet planning, student involvement, award organization, scripting, decorations, technology, rehearsals, and troubleshooting common challenges.
This workshop will focus on utilizing specific engagement strategies to establish a classroom culture of collaboration. Participants will apply basic principles of collaboration through hands-on activities while discovering ways to encourage and establish collaboration among secondary and post-secondary students. This will be a highly engaging workshop with anecdotal evidence to show how collaboration can be utilized.
Creating the best program can feel like putting a puzzle together and figuring out how to fill in the missing pieces. Find your missing puzzle pieces through teacher-tested and approved free educator resources. You will walk away with 'single' pieces to support units, and 'multiple' pieces specially curated to help fill in larger gaps. Walk away with the perfect pieces to complete your programs picture!
This workshop will provide agricultural educators with practical tools and strategies to effectively engage in legislative advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Participants will learn how policy decisions impact agricultural education programs, funding, and student opportunities, while gaining confidence in communicating with legislators, school boards, and community stakeholders. The session will include tips for building relationships with elected officials, sharing the story of agricultural education, and advocating for policies that support students, teachers, and Career and Technical Education programs. Attendees will leave with actionable advocacy strategies and resources they can immediately apply in their own communities.
Agricultural Education Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction
I’m Eric Tilleman, an Agriculture Education Specialist with the Montana Office of Public Instruction and a longtime agriculture educator and advocate for Career and Technical Education. I’m passionate about connecting education, agriculture, business, and communities to create... Read More →
Classroom management is frequently cited as one of the most difficult aspects of the profession by new and seasoned educators alike. Building a strong classroom culture with positive student relationships isn't something you can buy from a curriculum catalog. Fortunately, learning by experience isn't the only way to improve your classroom management repertoire! In this workshop presented by one of the most socially awkward teachers you'll ever meet, we will reflect on the role classroom management plays in education, then discuss concrete, practical strategies teachers can use to shape their classrooms into the highly-effective learning environments they've always hoped for! Among other techniques, come learn active listening strategies you can use as soon as you're back to help improve student relationships.
Take veterinary science beyond basic dissection! Discover how combining real-world Cornell case studies with National FFA Vet Science CDE skills—like SOAP notes, dosage calculations, and surgical prep—builds student confidence in the classroom. Then, get ready to scrub in: participants will practice assembling budget-friendly surgical packs from everyday items, maintaining sterile fields, and trying out suturing techniques. Learn how to tie diagnostic interpretation, clinical math, and hands-on surgery together into one seamless, high-impact unit.
I have had a passion for animals since I was a kid working on a 75 acre horse farm in central CT. We focused on agritourism having 80 horses but also cattle, pigs, alpacas, chickens and goats! We brought in groups from surrounding cities to educate about animals which lead me to be... Read More →
Discover how Teacher Journaling in The AET can help agricultural educators document the time and effort invested beyond the regular school day. This workshop will focus on tracking extended-contract activities, including SAE visits, FFA events, after-school practices, professional development, travel, and community engagement. Participants will learn efficient journaling strategies, reporting tools, and organization tips that support accountability, program advocacy, and communication with administrators. Attendees will leave with practical ways to use AET Teacher Journals to showcase the full impact of their agricultural education program while simplifying documentation throughout the year.
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 →
Hi! I’m Vanessa Kirby, Director of Support for AET (Agricultural Experience Tracker), professional problem-solver, teacher cheerleader, and firm believer that record-keeping doesn’t have to be stressful! A big part of my job is working alongside agricultural educators to help... Read More →
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.
THIS ONE EATS…because your students won't just learn meat science—they'll build it with their own hands!! Bring your classroom to life with this hands-on, creative lesson designed to help students better understand meat science and carcass fabrication! "Be the Butcher" introduces an interactive activity where students use butcher paper, chalk, and teamwork to identify and create retail and wholesale meat cuts from livestock species. Participants will learn how to transform a traditional meat cuts lesson into an engaging, student-centered experience that promotes critical thinking, movement, collaboration, and visual learning. This workshop will provide practical classroom ideas, easy-to-use materials, and strategies to help high school students connect anatomy, terminology, and industry knowledge in a memorable way. Walk away ready to turn your classroom into the ultimate butcher shop experience while helping students gain a deeper understanding of the meat industry from carcass to consumer.
This workshop is designed for agricultural educators looking to strengthen their FFA program through intentional branding and marketing. Participants will explore practical strategies for building a recognizable chapter identity, promoting activities, and effectively communicating their program's impact to students, administrators, and the community. Through guided discussion and real-world examples, teachers will learn how to use social media, visual storytelling, and community partnerships to enhance visibility and engagement. The session will focus on creating consistent messaging, developing a strong visual presence, and showcasing student success in meaningful ways. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use tools, messaging ideas, and marketing strategies to elevate their program's presence, attract support, and highlight the value of agricultural education in their community.
Utilizing a systematic approach to creating and implementing a legislative plan. Using the framework and experience of other states to develop goals and set a path that is both aggressive and realistic for your state.
E3 Global Educator team leads this workshop focusing on raising student awareness about global food waste & insecurity. Connect with K-College educators about practical ways to teach STEM in Ag in ways that will engage and inspire them! Educators with 52 years' combined experience will lead you through research, content, application, and assessment methods tailored for your unique students. In this hands-on workshop, you'll get the chance to play, learn, synthesize, and adapt for your own specific needs!
Agricultural & Environmental Science Teacher, McCaskey High School
I am an Agricultural & Environmental Science Teacher at McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I am in the third year of career in education and have worked to build our school's agriculture program from the ground up over my time at McCaskey. I teach courses within our... Read More →
Preparing future agricultural education teachers extends beyond traditional coursework. This workshop highlights intentional co-curricular and extracurricular experiences that strengthen professional growth, leadership, and career readiness among pre-service teachers. Participants will explore strategies for engaging students in professional organizations, service-learning, research, outreach, conferences, mentoring relationships, leadership development, and industry experiences. Presenters will share successful models that complement formal coursework while increasing student engagement, confidence, and professional identity. Participants will discuss methods for implementing similar opportunities within their own programs regardless of institutional context or available resources.
Student travel can be one of the most powerful tools in agricultural education—if it is done with purpose. This workshop will help teachers design meaningful travel experiences that go beyond logistics and create lasting learning. Drawing from real-world examples across competitions, industry tours, conventions, and field-based experiences, participants will explore practical systems for planning, funding, and managing student travel of all types. The session will emphasize student engagement, preparation, and reflection to ensure trips connect directly to classroom learning. Attendees will leave with strategies to make travel more accessible, more educational, and more manageable—without adding unnecessary stress. Whether planning a day trip or a multi-state journey, this session will help you make student travel worth it and doable.
Agricultural Educator, Mackay High School #390, ID
Trent Van Leuven is the 2024 Idaho State Teacher of the Year and an agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor at Mackay High School in rural Idaho. Over more than 50,000 miles of educational travel across 32 states, he has built his teaching around the belief that some of... Read More →
Discover how to leverage AET's powerful reporting tools to tell your program's story and showcase student achievement. This workshop explores the Economic Impact Report, the new one-row-per reporting format, and a variety of other chapter-level reports that can be used to communicate program value to administrators, communities, and award committees. Participants will leave with practical strategies for using data from AET to promote their FFA chapter and ag ed program.
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 →
How often do we lament that kids in our classrooms won't do any work without having their hands held? If we say FFA is a student organization, then why does it feel like we as Advisors are doing everything to make it all happen? More importantly, if kids aren't "Doing to Learn", what happens when they graduate? In this workshop, teachers will discuss the role accountability and expectations play in their Ag programs. Techniques for improving student ownership in their learning experience will be shared. Each participant will then have the opportunity to develop their own plan for increasing student leadership in their Ag-Ed program by making decisions that matter.
Ready to turn your classroom into a thrilling mystery investigation? Join this workshop where you will dive into the fascinating world of flower morphology and become detectives in a high-stakes investigation! Get hands-on experience using a dichotomous key to identify floral species, with each correct identification bringing them one step closer to cracking the investigation. By matching plant evidence from the crime scene, you will piece together clues to unmask the prime suspect. This isn't just a lesson that you walk away with—it's an exhilarating blend of science and mystery that will have your students on the edge of their seats. Come learn how you can transform your students into botanical sleuths in the most exciting investigation they'll ever experience!
Agricultural Education programs are among the most visible and impactful programs in a school, yet many teachers struggle to communicate their value, document their success, and advocate effectively for resources and support. This workshop helps Ag teachers understand how administrators evaluate programs, make decisions, allocate resources, and identify excellence. Participants will leave with practical strategies to better showcase their programs, prepare for evaluations, use data effectively, and build stronger relationships with school leadership.
