"The Value of One ... The Power of All." In this time
of change and challenges in our nation and organization, it is
important to look to the power that surrounds us. The 2001 NAAE
Convention was a great success and NAAE broke attendance records
with over 500 members and guests registered. The Partnership EXPO
exceeded expectations with more display space needed and it
provided valuable connections for our members. Through the NAAE
convention, we strive to empower those in attendance so that they
may return home and empower others. What a value! The challenge,
of course, is how can we empower those who were not able to attend
as well as provide encouragement to those who are considering
leaving the profession. We also are challenged on working to solve
the teacher shortage, strengthen our Team Ag*Ed, be visible
legislatively, and at the same time keep our heads above water
with challenges we face on a daily basis.
Provide Mentorship to
Others
Teacher recruitment and retention is the top priority of the
agricultural education family. The power lies within us to solve
the issue. Most agricultural educators have someone in their past
or present who has been, or currently is, a key in helping them
through the rough spots to achieve professional and personal
growth. Rather than only during the convention, this mentoring is
a daily, weekly, or monthly activity. Educators helping educators
at the grassroots level is the key to longevity in our profession
and helps to address the shortage of professionals in agricultural
education. You can make a difference to the level of success
someone else achieves. Our newest award area, the NAAE Teacher
Mentor Award, sponsored by CEV Multimedia, serves to
recognize those members who have been influential in mentoring
others. Who mentored you? Chances are there was someone who took a
special interest in helping you succeed. Consider a personal
thanks to your mentor and consider becoming a mentor to another
person in our profession.
Professional Collaboration
All facets of Team Ag*Ed are making a difference by working
together. There are so many services that each member of the team
provides to agricultural educators for the betterment of the
profession and those involved with it. However, as a new
teacher/educator, one may not know where to turn for assistance.
The State Relationship Manager pilot project has shown success in
this area. A combined front for answers to questions and services
needed helps our members to be more efficient, save time, and
ultimately, prevent teacher burnout. If you were not able to
attend the National Agricultural Education Inservice this year,
you missed an outstanding gathering. During the banquet on the
last evening of the inservice, Dr. Larry Case said it so well:
"During the past few days, we have laughed together and we
have cried together." For the second year in a row, the
inservice proved to be the most valuable meeting I attended to
help me in my classroom and as a leader in my professional
organization. Having representatives from all Team Ag*Ed
organizations in one place gave those in attendance current
updates, professional development opportunities, opportunities for
professional interaction, and a great place to have questions
answered. Meetings such as the National Agricultural Education
Inservice and think-tank groups such as the National Council for
Agricultural Education bring us all together to coordinate our
efforts toward addressing our national issues.
Legislative Advocacy
A few months ago, I attended The Council board meeting held in
Washington, D.C. and I was involved with visits to the offices of
the Maryland United States Senators and Representatives. All of
the Council members visited their respective elected officials
with a unified message on the Secondary and 2-year Postsecondary
Agricultural Education Challenge Grants, the proposed School
Environment Protection Act, and the Perkins reauthorization and
appropriations. This was a very positive experience. Yet, I was
surprised to learn that those with whom I spoke knew very little
about agricultural education. We are trusting our elected
officials to make decisions on our behalf but we are not doing
enough to educate them about the importance and effects of their
decisions. We take for granted that agricultural education is well
known because it is in our professional circles and in OUR daily
lives. The powers that be DO NOT have this same outlook as they do
what they do best, that is make decisions on our behalf. We need
to open our eyes and see the educating that needs to be done with
our legislators so they are truly working for us rather than
against us. During my Capitol Hill visits, my elected officials
asked a lot of questions and we made some important contacts.
Never underestimate the power that your state organizations may
have legislatively if a united front if formed. From the NAAE
website, I encourage you to use our Legislative Advocacy Center
(Capitol Advantage) for progress in your state as well as on the
national level. Make a trip to your state capital or Washington
D.C. and educate your legislators about our profession. If we
don’t do it, there is no one who will. The NAAE board will be
conducting our summer board meeting in Washington D.C. just for
that purpose and I am very much looking forward to the opportunity
again to educate legislators about the importance of agricultural
education and the issues that face our profession.
As your president, I will work diligently to face these
challenges head on. You can feel confident in the NAAE board of
directors you have elected to represent you on the national level
in a positive way. We are all dedicated in working to find
solutions for the challenges we face and the challenges we have
yet to meet. Each one of us involved in agricultural education is
needed and valued in solving our challenges. Together, we truly
are "The Power of All."
