By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Agricultural science teachers early in their careers strengthened their classroom knowledge, expanded their networks and gained new resources through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Early Ag Teacher Professional Development workshop.

The three-day workshop brought together 50 agricultural science teachers with one to five years of classroom experience for hands-on learning in either agricultural mechanics or floral design.

“Ag teachers play a critical role in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders, and we want to help set them up for success early in their careers,” said Jordan Bartels, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Education and Outreach. “This workshop gives teachers practical skills, industry connections and classroom resources they can immediately take back to their students while also building a network of peers and mentors they can rely on throughout their careers.”

Participants selected one of two focus tracks—agricultural mechanics or floral design—allowing them to receive specialized instruction tailored to their classrooms.

Early-career ag teachers gain skills, resources through TFB workshop Fifty agricultural science teachers from across Texas strengthened their classroom knowledge, expanded their networks and gained new resources through Texas Farm Bureau’s Early Ag Teacher Professional Development workshop.

The agricultural mechanics track included a visit to Texas State Technical College, where teachers learned about their robotics and instrumentation programs and explored career pathways available to students through technical education.

“The biggest thing I took away is that agriculture touches so many different subjects and career paths,” said Trevor Riley, an agricultural science teacher at Carthage High School entering his third year in the classroom. “Being able to show students more opportunities than just welding or careers they already know about is important. I think it’s important that I’m able to expose them to more.”

Riley also said discussions with experienced agricultural mechanics teachers provided valuable insight.

“Everyone has questions. Everyone is wanting to learn,” he said. “No one is in the same situation, regardless of where they’re at. Hearing different perspectives and learning from experienced teachers was really beneficial.”

Early-career ag teachers gain skills, resources through TFB workshop Fifty agricultural science teachers from across Texas strengthened their classroom knowledge, expanded their networks and gained new resources through Texas Farm Bureau’s Early Ag Teacher Professional Development workshop.

Teachers in the floral design track heard from a commercial flower grower and toured Wolfe Wholesale Florist, Inc. and the H-E-B Floral Department. The tours provided insight into the floral industry and how flowers get from growers to consumers.

“I really enjoyed going to Wolfe Wholesale,” said Zoe Carlisle, an agricultural science teacher at Chapel Hill High School entering her fourth year of teaching. “I work with the wholesale representative and buy from them, but I’ve never really seen the behind-the-scenes operations. It was interesting to see how flowers are imported and the journey they go on before they make it to us.”

Early-career ag teachers gain skills, resources through TFB workshop Fifty agricultural science teachers from across Texas strengthened their classroom knowledge, expanded their networks and gained new resources through Texas Farm Bureau’s Early Ag Teacher Professional Development workshop.

Participants heard from agricultural education professionals and took part in discussions with veteran teachers on classroom management, curriculum planning, student engagement and implementing the three-circle model of agricultural education.

Carlisle said those conversations were among the most valuable parts of the workshop.

“Talking with more experienced teachers and learning from them has been super helpful,” Carlisle said. “It was encouraging to hear from teachers who have been doing this for a long time and learn the strategies that have made them successful in the classroom.”

Teachers also explored educational resources available through TFB, including lesson plans and classroom materials that can be incorporated into agricultural science courses.

“I didn’t realize the extent of the resources available,” Carlisle said. “I’m excited to take those materials back to my classroom and use more of them next year.”

Early-career ag teachers gain skills, resources through TFB workshop Fifty agricultural science teachers from across Texas strengthened their classroom knowledge, expanded their networks and gained new resources through Texas Farm Bureau’s Early Ag Teacher Professional Development workshop.

Networking opportunities throughout the workshop allowed participants to connect with fellow educators from across the state.

“The fellowship and getting to know people from across Texas has been a huge takeaway,” Riley said. “I’ve made connections and friendships that will be valuable long after this workshop is over.”

Twenty-two of the participants focused on agricultural mechanics, and 28 focused on floral design.

The free professional development event was held May 31-June 2 in Waco.

Additional information on educational opportunities and resources is available at texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.