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

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