What is AZ Team AgEd?

Team Ag Ed is the name given to the collaborative effort that represents all the various professional groups within the agricultural education profession.  The agricultural education profession needs leaders who examine the big picture and determine what direction to head.  The profession needs teachers working with students every day to grow their knowledge base and technical skills.  It needs teacher educators to help develop new teachers and keep challenging those who are in the field to constantly build upon their skills.  Agricultural education also needs alumni, parents and business representatives who will support it consistently.

 

Beyond the formal or regular roles that each member of Team Ag Ed may perform, the profession also needs:

    -   Advocates who can tell the agricultural education story to state and federal legislators

    -   Taskforces to determine what research needs to be done and where to invest limited resources for greatest results

    -   A means to conduct strategic planning and communicate shared goals and objectives

 

During the early 1980’s, it became apparent that a mechanism was needed through which the various stakeholders could coordinate in developing strategies to guide the agricultural education community into the 21st century.  Out of this need, the National Council of Agricultural Education was formed. This entity serves as the lead organization within the agricultural education profession.

 

In Arizona, state staff work closely with the Dept. of Ag Ed at the UofA and the AATA to set an agenda for discussion items for AZ Team Ag Ed.

 

While the body in itself does not make decisions, it serves as a stage on which collaboration between the various groups may occur.  This collaboration is vital and appropriate as all entities have a vested interest in the success of Agricultural Education.