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There are many ways to become an agriculture teacher in Kentucky. Click on the pathway document to explore the various pathways to this challenging and rewarding career!
If you're interested in making a difference in the lives of students while helping train the next generation of agricultural leaders, then Agricultural Education is the career for you!
In Kentucky, five institutions offer an Agricultural Education degree. Those institutions are Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, the University of Kentucky, and Western Kentucky University. To learn about degree programs and options please contact the university of your choice.
Earning a degree in Agricultural Education in Kentucky requires the completion of a four year degree program. The requirements vary by institution but require the completion of various courses related to education and teaching as well as courses that help provide a basis of knowledge in the field of agriculture. Agricultural Education majors spend one semester in student teaching, which provides practical experience in planning lessons, evaluating student progress, managing a classroom, and operating an agricultural education program.
The icons below link to schools in Kentucky where you can earn your agricultural education degree. Click on each to explore that school's agricultural education program.
Agricultural Education majors complete one semester of student teaching as part of their degree program. Student teaching involves placement in a school with an experienced teacher of agriculture. During the semester, the student teacher gets practical experience in planning and delivering lessons, managing a classroom, and operating laboratory facilities.
Teacher job openings in Kentucky are normally posted to https://applications.education.ky.gov/keps/JobSearch.aspx. The site is updated on a daily basis and potential teachers can search by county or job type. Once an opening is located, the potential teacher should follow the link to submit an application and/or resume and cover letter. It is suggested that applicants also contact the school principal directly to express interest in the position.
All school districts handle hiring differently. Most review applications and select 3-5 candidates for interviews (thus submitting a quality application is very important). Following interviews the committee will select an applicant and make a job offer. Depending on the school district and the time of year, the process from posting to hiring can take several weeks to a few days. Especially later in the summer, those interested in job openings are encouraged to submit applications as soon as they become aware of a posting.
"I teach agriculture for all the typical reasons - a passion for production agriculture, FFA leadership opportunities and the legacy I wish to continue sharing that my family and agriculture teacher shared with me.
But I teach agriculture mostly for the chaos and 'Ah-Ha' moments; the excitement when students walk in my room and see a rabbit sitting on the front desk, the days students learn to cast fishing rods and tie on hooks for the first time, and the beauty of the greenhouse in April when students have worked so hard to grow a sellable product.
I enjoy watching Greenhands turn into State Degree and American Degree recipients, the thrill of a first-time contest winner, and seeing the determination in a senior knowing this is their last shot. I teach agriculture for the kid who has never held a baby lamb and the one who has a story from the stockyard every Monday morning. I’m here for the early mornings and the late evenings because I know what those invested hours turn into.
I teach agriculture hoping I can make a difference in students, our community and in the agriculture industry. I feel like I have a purpose in my classroom - that’s enough for me."
-Janella Miller, Agriculture Teacher, Pulaski County High School
"Looking back to my high school days, agricultural education played an important role in determining what I wanted to do in my life. My agriculture teachers, Noel Pack and Callie Hobbs, pushed me to go above and beyond each day. Throughout my classes I was able to cultivate my true passion for agriculture and determine I wanted to study in college, which ultimately is a way for me to give back to the agriculture industry by further pursuing my passion for production agriculture and sales. The impact that agricultural education, FFA, and my advisors have left on my life will continue to contribute to my success in life."
-Luke Millay, former Meade County FFA member and 2021 Kentucky State Star Farmer
Teaching agriculture gives you the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students on a daily basis. In the classroom you have the chance to help students gain the skills they need to be successful in careers and in life. FFA and SAE give opportunities for agriculture teachers to get to know their students on a deeper level.
Do you already have a degree and/or experience in another area and want to teach agriculture in Kentucky?
Contact the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board at (502) 564-4606 or kdelicensure@education.ky.gov.
Kristan Wright
(502) 564-3472
kristan.wright@education.ky.gov
