Teach Ag

About Agricultural Education

Agricultural education teaches students about agriculture, food and natural resources. Through these subjects, agricultural educators teach students a wide variety of skills, including science, math, communications, leadership, management and technology.

Some of potential jobs for someone graduating with a degree in agricultural education could be:

High School Agriscience Teacher
Ag Literacy Coordinator
Agricultural Education Professor
Farm Business Management Instructor
2-year Technical College Agriculture Instructor
Adult Agricultural Education Instructor
Young Farmer Instructor

Agricultural Education uses a three-circle model of instruction. These are classroom and laboratory instruction, leadership development, and experiential learning. The successful integration of each of these three components results in a strong program that produces well rounded individuals who are prepared to be leaders in agriculture, business, and industry.

Many high school agriculture programs use FFA to enhance the leadership and experiential learning portions of their program. To learn more about FFA and its influence on agricultural education, visit www.ffa.org.

Ag teachers never have the same day twice. One day they might be in a classroom or laboratory, the next visiting students in the field, preparing teams for a FFA Career Development Event, or leading a community service activity with their FFA Chapter.

Teach by doing, not just telling
Share their passion for agriculture
Create lessons that are hands-on
Reach students, including those who might not be successful in a traditional classroom
Teach about cutting edge topics, like cloning, satellite mapping, biofuels, alternative energy and more.
Travel in state, nationally, and even internationally.
Work with new and emerging technology from agribusiness companies.

Agricultural educators are often on extended contracts, which means they get paid during the summer months and have the potential to earn a significantly higher salary than other teachers.

Currently there is a national shortage of agricultural educators at the secondary level. It is estimated that there will be hundreds of unfilled positions across the United States this year, simply because not enough students are choosing to be agricultural educators.

Talk to your teacher or guidance counselor today about how to get started on the path to becoming an ag teacher. Here are some tips to help you get going:

Talk to your ag teacher about what his or her job is like.
Ask your teacher to schedule a job shadowing or internship experience for you.
Develop a SAE involving agricultural education and participate in the FFA agricultural education proficiency event.
Check out colleges and universities that offer a degree in agricultural education. (You can get started with that right here)

February 25, 2010 was our first ever National Teach Ag Day. Learn more

BECOME A PART OF OUR NATIONWIDE
TEACH AG CAMPAIGN.

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*By completing this form you are agreeing to allow us to contact you periodically with information on the National Teach Ag Campaign, National Teach Ag Day, and with tips and hints for encouraging your students to become ag teachers.

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