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.
