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!
Designed for experienced parliamentarians, this interactive workshop leverages robust question-and-answer dialogue to explore how inquiry and problem-based instructional approaches can deepen parliamentary understanding and elevate competitive and instructional performance. Instructional team includes professional parliamentarian and master educator who is a National Agriscience Ambassador.
Associate Professor, The Pennsylvania State University
I am a passionate individual looking to make a positive difference in the world around me. 7th Generation Texan. I previously taught secondary agriculture in Willcox, Arizona and I am currently a faculty member at Penn State in Agricultural Teacher Education and co-founder of the... Read More →
As agricultural education programs continue to grow, multi-teacher departments are becoming increasingly common. While these programs offer expanded opportunities for students, they also present unique challenges in communication, program management, and shared responsibilities. This workshop will provide practical strategies for building effective multi-teacher programs that enhance student success, strengthen program quality, and support teacher sustainability. Participants will explore real-world examples, proven systems, and collaborative structures that improve efficiency across classroom instruction, FFA advisement, and SAE supervision. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to implement immediately within their own programs.
Agricultural Educator, Corinth Holders High School, NC
Over the past 13 years, I have had the privilege of teaching Foundations of Agriculture and Animal Science at Corinth Holders High School. My passion lies in connecting students to agriculture and helping them realize its significant impact on their lives.Growing up without a direct... Read More →
Strong partnerships between agricultural education teacher educators and school administrators are essential for preparing highly qualified teachers and supporting successful school-based agricultural education programs. This interactive workshop will explore strategies for establishing, strengthening, and sustaining relationships with principals, district administrators, and career and technical education leaders. Participants will discuss approaches for identifying mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance clinical experiences, facilitate research collaborations, improve recruitment, and strengthen communication between universities and schools. Successful practices for engaging administrators throughout the teacher preparation process and creating partnerships that support both pre-service teacher development and school needs will be discussed.
It's butter! But so much more. From packaging design and recipes to butter making in class and taste testing, students will be able to follow the steps in creating a new food product. Learn how to make butter why incorporating it into your agriscience course.
As a result of the conditions created by policy changes brought forth by the Indiana State Board of Education, Indiana Pork developed and piloted a Work-Based Learning for Agriculture Program to help address labor shortage concerns expressed by Indiana pork producers and pork related industries. The pilot, based on data collected and analyzed through a partnership with Ascend Indiana, was implemented in Indiana Workforce Development Region 5 in eight counties. To see the data view additional resource document link, https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0y8tgy54g9lrqaicmq2ce/IndianaPork_WBLTacticalApproach.pdf?rlkey=t7r22xrethejgm01jfkph8dby&dl=0. Because the pilot program was a success, the program has now been moved state-wide. This approach by Indiana Pork has expanded the work-based learning opportunities throughout Indiana for high school students and re-invigorated the labor talent pipeline within the pork industry and has become a model for other industries to use. Go to https://www.indianapork.org/work-based-learning to view all the resources developed to date. This model serves as a model being used beyond agriculture in Indiana because of the resources created.
Agriculture education should be a space where all students feel seen, valued, and connected. This interactive workshop explores the cultural history of agriculture education through a "where we've been, where we are, and where we're going" framework while highlighting Native American, African American, and Latino agricultural histories, contributions, and cultural practices. Whether you teach in a monocultural community, a highly multicultural one, or somewhere in between, this workshop offers practical strategies that can be adapted to your local context. Through a "touch, see, do" format, participants will engage with cultural materials, explore classroom-ready lesson ideas, and experience hands-on activities. Attendees will leave with resources, activity examples, and strategies for creating more inclusive and engaging agriculture learning environments.
Agricultural education is uniquely positioned to cultivate curiosity through hands-on learning, real-world problem solving, and authentic experiences. However, many classrooms still struggle with student engagement when learning becomes focused solely on compliance and task completion. This interactive workshop explores how inquiry-based learning can transform agricultural education classrooms by placing student questions at the center of instruction. Participants will engage in inquiry activities modeled after real agricultural scenarios from welding, horticulture, animal science, and agriscience classrooms. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, lesson structures, and resources they can implement immediately to increase engagement and ownership in student learning. Whether teaching middle school agriculture, animal science, horticulture, agricultural mechanics, or agriscience, participants will discover how curiosity can become the driving force behind meaningful learning experiences.
Transform your classroom into a space full of limitless learning and career success! This high energy, hands-on workshop will equip you with inquiry-based strategies that seamlessly integrate into any agricultural education pathway. Join us to learn how easy it can be to add inquiry-based instruction to any lesson. Strategies that this workshop will highlight include turning resume writing into a research-based exploration, transforming social media into a powerful marketing tool, and fostering strong communication skills through student-driven discovery. Walk away with these strategies and the skill to ignite curiosity and prepare your students for life beyond the classroom.
Take your chapter organization and efficiency to the next level using powerful management tools within The AET. This workshop will focus on practical features such as the POA & Strategic Plan Manager, Meeting Manager, student participation point tracking, and QR code tools for quickly checking students into events and activities. Learn how to streamline chapter operations, improve student accountability, simplify record keeping, and create a more organized experience for advisors and members. Participants will walk away with ready-to-use strategies for managing meetings, tracking involvement, and supporting chapter success through AET.
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 →
National FFA Chapter Connect is a yearlong program that pairs chapters from different backgrounds, across the country, to build relationships, collaborate, and learn from one another through shared experiences. Discover how this initiative fosters meaningful connections while strengthening student leadership and advisor practice. This session will highlight the program's structure and core experiences, alongside a panel of advisors who participated in Chapter Connect and will share their learning and impact. Participants will explore practical ways to adapt program elements through local partnerships, virtual exchanges, or collaborative projects, to fit their own classrooms or programs. All participants will gain strategies for building inclusive environments, facilitating collaboration, and expanding student perspectives while strengthening their own instructional and leadership practices.
Ag Teacher by Choice; TEACH THEM WELL!; NC State (‘04, ‘08, ‘23); Teacher; Singer! Share your story! Speak your truth! Protect your peace! #diversity #inclusion #equity #belonging
Can pigs really fly? Maybe. More importantly, can your students think critically to solve challenges? Absolutely, if you attend this workshop. Join us as we share a memorable way to “launch” inquiry for your middle school and/or high school students. This fun, exciting, and classroom-ready inquiry activity will immediately capture your student’s attention. In this interactive workshop, take flight and explore how one simple challenge can introduce inquiry, experimentation, exploration, and critical thinking from day one. Leave with ideas to build excitement and establish a culture of curiosity in your classroom.
Do you want to incorporate precision agriculture curriculum but don't know where to start? Join us for a conversation about careers, skills, and curriculum for teaching precision agriculture. We will discuss research on barriers to precision agriculture adoption and how to work with local specialists to bring hands-on learning to students. We will also share our pilot precision agriculture curriculum.
This session is based on a successful administrator-focused workshop delivered during the Montana Agricultural Education Administrator Track. Designed to build awareness and capacity among school leaders, this model provides a structured approach to helping administrators better understand and support agricultural education programs. The session also highlights how intentional engagement with administrators can lead to stronger programs, improved teacher retention, and increased student success.
Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education, Montana Office of Public Instruction
A career and technical education professional for 21 years. Starting as an agricultural education teacher for 13 years and spending the past eight years at the Montana Office of Public Instruction in Career, Technical and Adult Education.
Carl D. Perkins federal funding State... Read More →
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 →
This interactive canning workshop equips agriculture teachers with practical food preservation knowledge they can immediately implement in the classroom. Participants will discover canning techniques while exploring how food preservation supports intracurricular instruction through science, math, literacy, business, and career readiness standards. Highlights include strategies for integrating canning into curriculum. Attendees will leave with lesson ideas, resource materials, and implementation strategies adaptable for middle and high school programs.
Agricultural Educator, Hendersonville High School, TN
I’m blessed to be a wife, mom, and ag teacher! I’ve been married for 6 years and have a 2 year old daughter. They are my why! My cup is filled by all things family, DIY projects, and curling up with a good book! Food preservation and “homesteading” are my passion projects... Read More →
This workshop provides a step-by-step walkthrough of managing chapter-level degrees and awards within AET. Participants will learn how to track student progress, verify requirements, and submit Discovery, Greenhand, and Chapter Degree applications directly through the platform all culminating in the automatic generation of banquet award certificates for your members! Whether you're new to AET or looking to streamline your current process, this session will help ensure your students receive the recognition they've earned.
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 →
Somewhere along the way, the pressure to "win" has shifted our focus, leading many Ag teachers to believe that state rankings and blue banners are the only true measures of professional and program worth. Is this the only type of success? This hands-on strategy session is for any teacher, especially 1st - 5th year teachers, who feels the pressure of the "make or break" culture many Ag programs seem to have. Using recent research, we will name these unspoken pressures and define what success means for your Ag Program. Participants will leave with a new outlook on the meaning of success, and have created personal tools to build their high-impact program without losing themselves in the process!
As Agricultural Educators, we spend our days growing the future — cultivating plants, raising livestock, and developing the next generation of leaders. But somewhere between the lesson plans, contests, practices, and late nights, many of us forget to showcase the incredible impact we're making every single day. It's time to change that. Join us for an engaging, high-energy workshop where we'll build powerful personal education statements, learn how to confidently navigate the ever-changing world of social media, and tackle the "imposter syndrome" that keeps too many educators from sharing their story. You are doing incredible work — and your students, community, and profession deserve to see it. Walk away with practical tools, fresh confidence, and a clear strategy to proudly "SHOW WHAT YOU GROW" in your classroom, your FFA program, and your community.
Creating an understanding of the depth and breadth of agriculture can be challenging and sometimes an uphill battle. Learn how a small, fun, and interactive idea can change the trajectory of how colleagues and students view ag, ag education, and the impact it has on your community.
This workshop will discuss building three trailers. One full size, one a 1/4 scale, and one a 1/8 scale. Attendees will be shown how scaling projects can be applied through many different builds and how all students can be involved in some way. Let's be honest, some students tend to take over projects. With this lesson, classroom management skills and skill assessment will be practiced so that all students play a meaningful part, and all projects are finished with quality.
Ag Teachers do not normally have the luxury of a "normal" day out of the classroom - between FFA Events, Field Trips, or Professional Development, being gone is a part of the job. This session will focus on creating practical, low-stress substitute plans that actually work through your entire program. Walk away with ready-to-use templates, adaptable activities and strategies for setting expectations so that substitutes can confidently manage your classroom.
Floral design courses blend creativity, technical skill, and career readiness, but evaluating student work can be challenging. This workshop will share practical strategies for assessing floral design projects using industry-based rubrics, Career Development Event materials, digital portfolios, and technology tools. Participants will explore ways to incorporate photo documentation, student reflection, and authentic assessment practices that support both learning and professional skill development. Attendees will leave with classroom-ready ideas, sample rubrics, and technology resources that help improve grading consistency, student ownership, and portfolio development in floral design classrooms.
Looking to connect the dots between classroom and industry? Learn about engaging strategies, interactive tools, and exciting activities for career readiness and industry knowledge. From the first step in understanding the careers that exist to exploring the path best suited, you will leave with leave with everything you need to help guide students in connecting the dots in their career exploration journey.
Discover how CTE can bring multiple disciplines together through engaging, real-world learning experiences. This session explores innovative strategies that merge agriculture, culinary arts, criminal justice and critical thinking through immersive, problem-based learning. Classroom activities may include conducting mock food safety investigations, analyzing nutrition labels, tracing ingredients through the supply chain, creating farm-to-table meal plans, analyzing varieties of apples and their history, classification of fruit and vegetables, identifying and making cheese varieties and hands on safety training and hunters certification. Students can work collaboratively to solve problems, collect and interpret evidence, and present their findings. This session explores innovative strategies that connect agriculture, culinary arts and critical thinking through hands-on projects and problem-based learning. Participants will learn how we engage students in various topics that cross curricular disciplines and build excitement and school community.
Agricultural Educator, Ionia County Career Center, MI
I have been an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor in Ionia for 32 years. I will be presenting on cross-curricular programming and how we have used collaboration between programs at ICCC to increase the depth and relevance of our lessons.Over the past year, we have also... Read More →
Culinary Arts Instructor, Ionia County Career Center, MI
I am a Culinary Arts instructor at the Ionia County Career Center. I will be presenting on cross-curricular programming and how collaboration among programs at ICCC has increased the depth and relevance of our lessons. Over the past year, I have also been exploring the use of artificial... Read More →
Agricultural educators play a critical role in helping students navigate what happens after high school graduation: apprenticeships, technical college, community college, four-year college, career entry, military, and workforce opportunities. Drawing on recent research examining agricultural education participation and postsecondary success in rural communities, this session explores practical strategies for strengthening postsecondary readiness through agricultural education. Participants will examine how agricultural education serves as a bridge between high school and postsecondary pathways. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for advising students, promoting multiple postsecondary options, building local partnerships, and helping students connect their agricultural education experiences to future educational and career goals.
Running a classroom while running a greenhouse is HARD. Turning your greenhouse classroom into an employment-style environment gives students ownership, incentivizes manual labor, and allows students to take on management roles (thus giving you time to run sale logistics).
Hydroponics doesn't have to be expensive to make a big impact in the classroom. This workshop will showcase how low-cost hydroponic systems can transform agricultural education into a hands-on, engaging learning experience for students. Participants will explore affordable setup ideas, simple classroom systems, student-led activities, and practical management strategies that make hydroponics realistic for any program. Through real classroom examples and interactive learning ideas, teachers will leave with ready-to-use strategies that connect agriculture, science, sustainability, and student engagement in meaningful and exciting ways.
Looking to expand your horticulture program beyond traditional greenhouse management? This workshop will showcase an experiential floral subscription program where students move from learning floral design to applying them through real world applications. Workshop participants will gain insight into project logistics, budgeting, and creating meaningful experiences that connect students with their community.
Agricultural education classrooms are rich with hands-on learning, technical vocabulary, and real-world applications—but for English Language Learners (ELLs), these experiences can also present unique challenges. This workshop equips agricultural educators with practical, easy-to-implement strategies to make content more accessible and engaging for all students. Participants will explore techniques such as QSSA (Question, Signal, Stem, Share), the use of visuals and pictures, structured student talk, and vocabulary scaffolding to support language development while maintaining rigorous agricultural content. Through interactive activities and real classroom examples, educators will leave with tools they can immediately apply to improve comprehension, participation, and confidence among ELL students in their programs.
Teaching veterinary science requires that agriculture teachers be able to introduce their students to a wide range of topics, such as animal CPR and parasite identification. Due to limited training within agricultural teacher education programs, teaching parasite identification in an engaging manner often remains a challenge for agriculture teachers. This workshop is designed to help agriculture teachers tackle that challenge. During this hands-on workshop, participants will be equipped to teach introductory-level parasite identification practices and principles to their students. The workshop presenters will guide participants through the fundamentals of parasite identification and help them develop fun, engaging approaches to teaching animal parasite identification to their students. The workshop presenters will also discuss further veterinary science-focused professional development offerings for agriculture teachers.
A farmer reports wildlife damage. Who did it? CSI: Wildlife invites students to become wildlife detectives in an engaging, hands-on learning experience. What animal damaged the soybean field? What predator visited the coop? Students will investigate a wildlife mystery using tracks, skulls, fur, feeding evidence, habitat clues, and trail camera photos to identify species and uncover the culprits behind the damage.Whether you teach natural resources, agriscience, or animal science, you will leave inspired with fresh ideas to spark curiosity, promote critical thinking, and bring wildlife biology to life for your students.
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.
