Meet the Candidates!
2000-01 NAAE President Elect

1997-2000 NAAE
Region II Vice President

I, like many Ag. teachers across the nation, not only teach agriculture, but am deeply involved in production agriculture as part of my life now and in the future when I retire. We currently run a 2,300 acre cow-calf operation. I believe that because I am a person who teaches by example as well as words, I have influenced countless students and colleagues in my 29 years of teaching, through the training they have received in my classes and the personal example I have set for them. I’m proud to say my own children have followed in my footsteps, with one being a teacher, one with a degree in agriculture, and another working on it. I don’t just talk the talk - I walk the walk.

Because I strive to always be my own person, you will find me the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Sometimes speaking my mind has gotten me into a bind, but because of that quality, you can always depend on me. I’m the kind of person who will listen to all sides, think and study the situation, and try to come up with an answer that will serve the best interest of everyone involved. I believe in an organization that is run by its members for its members. I will strive to keep the very important input from all members foremost in mind when making important decisions. I choose to be the uncommon man!

"I’m too busy." Well, aren’t we all? Sure we’re busy, but what I’m told often is, "That’s why we asked you. You will make the time and you’ll get it done." I consider that a compliment. I am a person who will see something through until it’s finished and I will find the time that is needed!

NAAE needs these qualities to keep up the pace and get ahead in these very important times: people who can walk the walk, people who aren’t afraid to stand up for what’s right, people who make time for things that are important. I believe that I am that person. My experience as a leader working with the legislature, working with members and finances, and as an ag. educator and an ag. producer have made me uniquely qualified to serve as your next NAAE President-elect.

I welcome any questions or comments. I’ll tell it like it is!!

Home: (254) 562-7897
School: (254) 562-2831
E-mail: jdawley@mexia.isd.tenet.edu

1997-2000 NAAE
Region IV Vice President

One of the greatest turning points in my life came during my freshman year of high school—my father died. The future of our family farm, and my future in agriculture was in doubt. The only teachers who came to the funeral home were my vocational agriculture instructor and his wife who taught science. My agriculture instructors were my role models in high school and in life. They were unique individuals, dedicated to their profession, whose work ethic inspired me to become an agriculture instructor. "I am an agriculture educator by choice not chance. ...I dedicate my life to its development and the advancement of its people."

Over the past twenty years, I have been an active teacher of Agricultural Science and Business in Indiana. My commitment to being a leader in our organization began shortly after I entered the teaching profession. As others recognized my dedication to agriculture education, they selected me to serve in a variety of leadership roles. Today I am asking for your support to serve you as the next NAAE President Elect. This is a commitment for which I have the strong backing of my family, my students, my administration, my community, and the agricultural teachers of Indiana.

We, as instructors, are faced with the challenges of change on a daily basis. Changes that affect us as we continue to improve the lives of the students we serve. If the NAAE, as an organization, is to meet the challenges of the future it must be prepared to change, except in its most basic beliefs. The future of NAAE is bright. If elected, I plan to represent you with the following mission:

I truly believe in you, in NAAE, in our profession, in our students, and in the future of agriculture. I have enjoyed serving our profession in the past and look forward to any opportunity to serve you again. I pledge to listen to your concerns and to act on them as if they were my own. For I firmly believe that, "No one of us is greater than all of us." Working together, we can continue to make a positive difference in our profession. I welcome the chance to share my ideas with you about the future of Agriculture Education and the NAAE. If you feel that I am worthy of this undertaking, I am prepared to serve. Please feel free to contact me at the address or phone number listed below.

Home: (765) 458-5944
School: (765) 458-5136, ext #211
E-mail: bgause@uc.k12.in.us