professional development

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Agriscience Inquiry Institute (AgI2) & Workshops

The NAAE Agriscience Inquiry Institute (NAAE Ag I2) was developed out of the need for more state focused professional development opportunities related to inquiry-based teaching and the enhancement of science in agricultural education. The format and core of the state NAAE Ag I2 is based on the National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy (NATAA).

The NAAE Agriscience Inquiry Institute (NAAE Ag I2) seeks to:

  • Provide teachers with educational resources and inquiry-based teaching skills to implement science-based activities in the agricultural education classroom.
  • Share lesson plans, laboratory exercises and teaching strategies in order to improve the resources available to teaching agriscience in the state.
  • Incorporate literacy strategies that enhance student learning.
  • Provide examples of how science standards naturally fit and enhance existing agricultural education curriculum.

AgI2 Program Development
NAAE Ag I2 professional development programs are conducted at the state level. NAAE will provide programming support to assist with the planning and implementation of the state Ag I2. A team of National Agriscience Teacher Ambassadors from the state, NAAE, and a National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Mentor Facilitator will plan and implement the program on the state level.

AgI2 Format
National Agriscience Teacher Ambassadors from the state, NAAE, and National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Mentor Facilitator will present at least 15 hours of high quality professional development and provide follow up for the program.

If you are interested in hosting an AgI2 in your state or region, please complete our Region/State Institute Interest Form.

Questions related to AgI2 may be directed to Cameron Earlywine.


XLR8 Workshops

Retaining quality experienced teachers is important to the future of agricultural education. In 2013, NAAE developed XLR8 — the eXcellence in Leadership for Retention professional development program — to meet the needs of mid-career agriculture teachers.

XLR8 is a year-long professional development program that targets agriculture teachers in their 7th-15th year of teaching.

The overall goals of this program include:

  • develop experienced teacher leaders who will mentor other teachers in the profession;
  • provide mid-career level specific professional development to participants;
  • as well as increase overall longevity and satisfaction of participants with their chosen career of teaching agriculture.

The XLR8 program includes participation in an intensive professional development experience (multiple sessions) during the NAAE convention, recurring virtual learning experiences, and online collaboration using the NAAE professional learning community, Communities of Practice, as well as other social media tools.

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Early Career Elements

Coming Soon!


Teacher Resiliency Workshops

Coming Soon!


Future Agriscience Teacher (FAST) Symposium

The Future Agriscience Teacher (FAST) Symposium is a professional development experience for preservice agricultural education majors which provides customized professional development, networking, and mentoring with current and future agriculture teachers from across the country.

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My Local Cooperative

My Local Cooperative is an initiative of the National Association of Agricultural Educators with funding support from the CHS Foundation as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

The mission of this initiative is to advance agriculture cooperatives by raising awareness of the cooperative business model, showcasing cooperative career opportunities, and highlighting the critical role that cooperatives play in strengthening agriculture and our local communities.

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