TURN the KEY to Continued Success

Agricultural education is continually faced with a shortage of qualified teachers. Unless those who have been trained actually enter and remain in the profession for a period of several years, the shortage of qualified teachers will prevail. In 2003, NAAE developed the Teachers Turn the Key program as a means of encouraging young teachers to remain in the profession and to support and recognize participation in professional development. Since its inception, the program has impacted over 600 teachers across the United States.

The Teachers Turn the Key professional development program focuses on providing early-career ag teachers with the tools and support they need to grow and flourish in the profession. Participants are challenged to improve their teaching and classroom management, develop time management skills, and immerse themselves in professional development activities that will support their professional goals.

Are you eligible?

NAAE members who are currently in their second, third, or fourth year of teaching agriculture are eligible to apply for this program. Applicants must be an active member of NAAE at the time of application and when they attend the NAAE Convention. Applicants must first apply at the state level. Contact your state agriculture teachers association for information on how to complete the application process. Current members of the NAAE board of directors and previous state recipients are not eligible to apply.

State associations are encouraged to submit one application that meets the eligibility requirements.

Applications are due each May 15 for the Teachers Turn the Key program. If selected, program participants must agree to attend the entire NAAE convention as well up to five virtual professional development events. Click here to go to the application page.

This program is sponsored by Ram Trucks as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.