Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
Four college seniors majoring in agricultural education received the 2020 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Spring Student Teaching Award scholarship.
The scholarship recipients include: Ryan Frank, a senior at Texas A&M University; Ashley Howard, a senior at Tarleton State University; Tyler Sebek, a senior at Tarleton State University; and Jason Wade, a senior at West Texas A&M University.
“These four students caught our eye as exemplary representatives of upcoming agricultural educators,” Mia Balko, TFB director of Youth Outreach, said. “They’re the next generation to teach our kids about the importance of agriculture, and we have all the confidence they’ll do an excellent job.”
College students from TFB member-families who are pursuing a degree in agricultural education applied for the $2,500 scholarship last fall. The funds will be used during the spring semester for off-campus student teaching.
“As a student teacher, there’s not typically time to have another job, because they are in the classroom all day. Many of these student teachers also have to travel long distances,” Balko said. “This scholarship aims to alleviate some of the financial burden for these students who are preparing for careers in agricultural education.”
Student teaching is an invaluable part of the learning experience for future agricultural science teachers. Working side-by-side with an experienced teacher is one of the best ways to prepare for a career in the classroom, according to Balko, who spent more than 15 years teaching agricultural science.
“Agricultural science teachers aren’t just in small towns anymore,” Balko said. “Urban school districts are increasingly growing their FFA chapters and connecting more students with agriculture. Texas Farm Bureau wants to help new graduates from agricultural education programs prepare for those roles, wherever they land,” Balko said.
Four scholarships will also be awarded in the fall to seniors majoring in agricultural education and going into their student teaching semester.
The scholarship application is currently open. Applications are due online by March 2.
Click here for more information on the Student Teaching Award.
Are scholarship opportunities available to students majoring in Criminology or criminal Justice?
All high school scholarships are available to any major. It is only the collegiate scholarships that must be an ag major. If you have additional questions, you can reach out to our scholarship coordinator Mia Balko at mbalko@txfb.org.