Ferguson College of Agriculture

STILLWATER, Okla. – The Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership hosted the 15th annual Future Agriculture Education Teacher Academy June 14-18. This program was designed to encourage and promote the teaching of high school agricultural education as a positive and promising college major and career choice.   

 

The program is for high school juniors or seniors with a desire to attend OSU and pursue a career in agricultural education. From a pool of applicants, 15 participants were selected to take part in this year’s event. The academy is predominantly hosted at OSU’s Stillwater campus and allows students to experience campus life and learn about the agricultural education program. Attendees also spent the week visiting agricultural organizations across Oklahoma. The event included stops at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, State Department of Career and Technical Education, various Oklahoma agricultural education programs, and many more. 

 

“Meeting with other agricultural education instructors, I realized the biggest piece of advice they offered was to ask for help,” said Callie Moseley, a FAETA attendee, and an Owasso FFA member. “They are all very welcoming in their community, and they provide a sense of home even for the newcomers. They are always willing to offer advice and help when you need it.”

 

The academy is facilitated by four current agricultural education instructors and two current OSU agricultural education undergraduates who serve as interns. Each day has its own theme, which includes: teaching a lesson, experiencing OSU, touring Oklahoma agricultural education programs, and learning about Oklahoma agriculture.  

 

“The structure of the academy is great,” said Emily Sewell, FAETA facilitator, “but the sweet spot is the relationships formed between the participants, interns, and facilitators.”

 

The OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership in the Ferguson College of Agriculture is dedicated to developing well-rounded agricultural professionals, educators, communicators, and leaders through academic, research and extension, and outreach efforts. Learn more at aged.okstate.edu.