NAAE Region IV Updates

4 Posts
Charles Sappington

I had been pondering all summer whether to run for an NAAE office this fall.  Finally, as the time came to commit for the upcoming NAAE convention in Nashville, things just came together.  And wow, what an opportunity!  After a person runs the gamut of leadership positions in their own state, they might want to say enough is enough.  My question is why stop?  Why miss out on the opportunity to serve and experience leadership at the national level?  Hey, I am just starting, but I cannot wait untill the first meeting in February.  Yes, I had to change a few things in my schedule and I am very blessed to have a family and administration that supports me in this position, but I know it is going to be worth it. Maybe you're reading this and just getting started in teaching. My advice is don't wait too long to jump in at your local level. First, get settled in your own ag education and FFA program, and then jump in. Believe me, the other teachers in your area will be ready to help you get started and be on your way in your leadership journey.  As you progress along your path of leadership, look for the opportunities to do more, to get involved. and take the next step.

State Leaders of Region IV -- It's not too early to thinking about encouraging your members to apply for 2010 NAAE awards.  Too often we want to showcase our students, but not ourselves. How can we as educators ask our students to apply for State and American degrees when we are not willing to do it ourselves? We as leaders need change this attitude in our members.  Here are some links and other information to get the ball rolling.

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Greg Curlin

It is hard to believe three years of serving as the regional vice president has passed.  I have appreciated the support that region IV has shown as member welcomed myself as well as my family to their home states.  The support and effort of every member at regional and national events has been memorable.  During the past three years, it has become evident that it pays to be a member of the NAAE.  The work and the effort of the national staff at the headquaters of the NAAE has improved member services well as improving our communications networks and partnerships.  In just the last three years, NAAE has developed many programs that can be benefical to a new teacher or the experienced teacher alike.  It takes times to learn to use with the new tools, but like everything, over time, we adjust and swing into the mode of using the technology.

 

Perhaps the best new tool we have to offer is Communiites of Practice.  The site has many tools for any teacher to incorporate into his or her program, from lesson plans to lab practicals.  It's a great tool for those going into student teaching, it can help revive a lesson plan, or add a spark to a plan that needed something to catch our students' attention.  In addition, NAAE has been working hard to recruit new ag teachers throught the National Teach Ag campaign, providing internships for college students, and award and recognition programs that members are recognized at the national level. All of theese programs and other resources are located on the NAAE website.

 

Another very important aspect of NAAE's service is its member recognition.  As we recognize teachers for their service, we need to take the time to assist our fellow members, and NAAE provides resources to help you be a better mentor.

 

Sponsors who believe in the importance of agricultural education is what makes our many programs possible.  It's a great feeling to know that the agriculture industry believes in us and the programs we offer. 

 

As I close, I leave you with this quote by Albert Einstein that relates to the service and commitment we must have in order to prosper in our profession; "If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not people or things." It is clear that the NAAE has goals for members to succeed.

 

Sincerely

Greg Curlin

Region IV Vice President

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Greg Curlin

"You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives."

 

Clay P. Bedford wrote that quote, and it made me think about the learning process I went through this summer.  I completed the CASE Model training in Lexington, Kentucky this summer, and have found the training I received there useful throughout my entire job. It made me think about our standards and croswalking my subject matter class. Beyond that, the opportunity to talk and interact with other teachers gave me new ideas, creating that curiosity in myself, a lifelong student of agricultural education.  As school starts, Communities of Practice may be a good place to visit as you set out to ingite the passion in yourself to pass along.

 

As summer ends, it is time to give our students with life skills to carry with them as they complete high school and move on to the next phase of their lives. Often we never know what an impact we have until ten years later when the former student returns and says the priceless words "thank you."  Have a great year!

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Greg Curlin

Telling the same story!

Posted by Greg Curlin Jul 6, 2009

As the summer kicks into full speed with workshops and conferences, we have the chance to tell everyone we meet about our program. But, do we tell the same story to our legislators?  If you would ask our legislative leaders to paint a picture of agricultural education from 1917 to 2009, what would you see?  Will we all have our legislative leaders in the same frame of thought?  It is important that our state and national leaders know what we our doing with our curriculum, FFA programs and SAE programs. Thre are so many possibilities and opportunities for us to tell the whole story as we prepare for county, state and national events.

 

As we take the time to plan for a new school year, we find ourselves looking at new program ideas or incorporating new program concepts.  We need to invite the community in and show them what we are doing to make agricultural edcuation successful in today's classroom.  We have integrated several new standards and modified our tradtional standards.  Therefore, take the time to share your program's success from the local to the national level.

 

Greg Curlin

Region IV NAAE Vice President

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