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There are many ways to become an agriculture teacher in West Virginia. Click on the pathway document to explore the various pathways to this rewarding career!
Here are some ways to learn more about what it's like to Teach Ag in West Virginia!
Students declare a major in Agricultural and Extension Education with an Area of Emphasis in Teacher Education. You'll first
complete general education courses alongside courses in agricultural science. Once you satisfy these requirements, you
become a teacher education candidate and began education-focused courses. After completing your coursework, you'll undergo a year-long student teaching internship.
Currently West Virginia University is the only school in West Virginia where you can earn your degree in agricultural education. Click the icon below to learn more about their agricultural education program.
Student teaching is moving to a year-long model in West Virginia. Originally it was only one semester, but in the fall of 2022 we are starting the year-long student teaching internship.
Student teachers and WVU faculty work together to identify a good placement site for the student teacher. We consider the student teacher's needs, location, experiences, and preferences when making the decision. Placements are usually announced several months in advance so the student teacher has time to prepare.
The student teacher starts as their cooperating teacher's shadow. They observe, follow and note as the teacher goes about their everyday responsibilities. After a week or two, the student teacher assumes teaching responsibilities for one of their cooperating teacher's classes. Slowly they begin picking up other classes until they are effectively teaching full-time. Student teachers are responsible for planning classes, developing learning materials and activities, assessing learning, and addressing student needs in the classroom.
West Virginia University's Agricultural and Extension Education program usually informs the agricultural education community about job openings via email and social media.
Postings can also be found at the West Virginia Department of Education website, county school system websites, social media, and the West Virginia FFA Association.
"Agricultural education is an important part of West Virginia. I love helping students see where their food and fiber comes from, and I love to help them grow and change into young adults. The West Virginia agricultural education community is great, too. I feel like I am part of something bigger than myself, and that I'm making a real difference in what I do."
"My ag teacher taught me not only about agriculture, but about being a better, more confident person. From them I was able to step outside my shell and become more of the person I want to be. My agriculture teacher changed my life for the better, and I want to do the same thing for someone else. I want to help my future students succeed in anything they want to do."
Do you already have a degree and/or experience in another area and want to teach agriculture in West Virginia?
Click here to learn how to become alternatively certified in agricultural education.
Several opportunities exist for West Virginia agriculture teachers to develop profesionally. These include:
Click here to view the current West Virginia agriculture teacher directory
Would you like to learn more? Have questions? Contact us!
Rachel Hendrix
(615) 516-5480
rachel.hendrix@mail.wvu.edu
