Hey ag teacher, Happy National FFA Week! Your dedication and hard work make a lasting impact on your students. Thank you for your invaluable role in cultivating the future of agricultural education. You are truly shaping shaping the future one student at a time.

Applications now open for the 2025 National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy!

Ready to develop professionally and reinvigorate your teaching? Applications are now open for the 2025 National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy!

NATAA has over 20 years of successfully cultivating agriscience and inquiry-based learning in agricultural education. The Academy serves to train agriculture teachers on how to enhance the science that is already present in agriculture, as well as develop students as problem solvers and thinkers through the inquiry-based teaching method. Applications are due March 15, 2025.

Corteva Agriscience puts science to work as a proud sponsor of NATAA.

2025 NAAE Awards and Scholarships

NAAE maintains an extensive awards program to recognize the accomplishments of our many talented and dedicated members. We have awards for agricultural educators in every stage of their careers, from scholarships to lifetime achievement. Have questions about applying for an award? Visit our Awards and Scholarships Application FAQ page. Applications are due May 15, 2025.

Please note that the NAAE Awards and Scholarships, including categories and criteria, were updated earlier this year, and all updates will go into effect in 2025.

Please Note: Applications for the 2025 Teachers Turn the Key and XLR8 professional development programs will open April 15, 2025 and are due June 15, 2025.

State of Distinction Highlight for Advocacy for Agricultural Education - Mississippi Association of Agricultural Educators

The NAAE Professional State Award program provides state associations the opportunity to showcase how they working to serve their membership through advocacy in agricultural education, member experience, professional development and teacher recruitment, retention, and recognition. This month, we would like to highlight the Mississippi Association of Agricultural Educators (MSAAE) as the recipient of the 2025 NAAE State of Distinction Award in Advocacy for Agricultural Education.

The Mississippi Association of Agricultural Educators (MSAAE) champions the mission of advancing agricultural education through its esteemed Supporters Hall of Fame initiative. This honor recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to agricultural education, advocating for its significance and fostering its growth beyond the classroom. The award celebrates those who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the field. By showcasing philanthropy and unwavering advocacy, the Supporters Hall of Fame acknowledges those who have invested their time and resources to elevate agricultural education. These honorees exemplify how passionate supporters can drive meaningful change, ensuring that agricultural education remains valued and impactful at every stage of life.

Congratulations to MSAAE for truly making a difference in your state!

State Teach Ag Results (STAR) Updates

40 of the 40 STAR (State Teach Ag Results) Program calls took place from December through February. States developed plans to recruit and retain highly qualified and diverse agricultural educators. Strategies are structured to focus on three pillars: 

1. Recruitment strategies 
2. Preservice engagement and retention 
3. Current teacher retention and engagement

311 attendees have interacted on the STAR calls to organize recruitment, retention, and recognition efforts.

Interested in becoming a STAR state? Contact Ashley Rogers.

Louisiana hosts a #TeachAg luncheon to honor students entering the agricultural profession. With strong attendance, this event recognizes and celebrates future educators who will soon lead their own classrooms, reinforcing the state's commitment to growing and supporting agricultural education.

The state of Iowa has launched a new series titled “AgTV Cribs” to showcase the variety of programs across the state in an effort to recruit high school students to the classroom all while celebrating teachers in their state. IAAE released criteria to participate and will house all of the series on their YouTube channel.

Georgia’s #TeachAg Ambassadors play a key role in recruiting the next generation of agricultural educators. Through workshops, recruitment booths, and campus visits, they keep agricultural education top of mind for students exploring future careers. Their efforts ensure a strong pipeline of passionate educators dedicated to growing the profession.

Utah took a creative approach to celebrating National #TeachAg Day, using their celebration kit to host a watch party under the stars, offering a unique space for reflection on the impact of teaching agriculture. The state also hosts a well-attended collegiality banquet, bringing educators together to celebrate achievements and find inspiration for the year ahead.

Join us for a 2025 NAAE Regional Conference

Join us for the 2025 NAAE Regional Conferences! Attending a regional conference is great way to connect with other agricultural educators, get involved in our organization and stay up to date on the latest news, events, and professional opportunities in NAAE. For the most up to date information, visit our website linked below.

Region I Conference

April 15-18, 2025

Bend, Oregon

Region II Conference

June 16-19, 2025

Corpus Christi, Texas

Region III Conference

June 16-19, 2025

Morningside University

Sioux City, Iowa

Region IV Conference

June 23-25, 2025

Gaylord, Michigan

Region V Conference

June 8-11, 2025

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Region VI Conference

March 21-23, 2025

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Save the Date for the 2025 NAAE Convention!

We're heading to Nashville! We can't wait to see you next year at the 2025 NAAE Convention, held December 9-13 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee! #NAAE25

Calendar

March 15, 2025 - National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy Applications Due

March 16-19, 2025 - Ag Ed Strand at ACTE National Policy Seminar in Arlington, Virginia

March 16-19, 2025 - INFLUENCE Institute in Arlington, Virginia

March 21-23, 2025 - Region VI Conference in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

April 15-18, 2025 - Region I Conference in Bend, Oregon

May 15, 2025 - NAAE Awards Applications Due

June 8-11, 2025 - Region V Conference in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

June 15-19, 2025 - Region II Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas

June 16-19, 2025 - Region III Conference at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa

June 23-25, 2025 - Region IV Conference in Gaylord, Michigan

July 14-18, 2025 - National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy

December 9-13, 2025 - NAAE Convention and ACTE CareerTech VISION in Nashville, Tennessee

The National Association of Agricultural Educators is a federation of state agricultural educators' associations with more than 9,500 members. NAAE members are involved in school-based agricultural education at any level, from middle school through postsecondary, and state and national agricultural education leadership.

NAAE is committed to advancing, in our organization and communities, inclusion, diversity and equity. The choice to create a just and equitable organization is not accidental. We intentionally prioritize fostering an inclusive environment that ensures people are respected and valued. We are committed to creating and supporting programs and policies that build an organization that values open communication and is respectful of differences.

National Association of Agricultural Educators

www.naae.org | #TeachAg | naae@uky.edu

(859) 967-2892 or (800) 509-0204

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