University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

Mountain Home High School Ag instructor, Kya Vines, shares the unique experiences that led her to pursue a career in agriculture education and why she loves this profession.  I am a proud alumnus of Mountain Home High School (MHHS) where I have returned to start an Agriculture Science program. In the fall of 2017, I taught the first agriculture class for MHHS. I teach Personal Skills Development, Introduction to Livestock Industry, Agriculture Mechanics, Zoology Fish and Wildlife, Agriculture Welding, Advanced Agriculture Welding, and Agriculture Fabrication. I am very proud to teach agriculture and be an FFA advisor. Though I did not go through an agriculture program in high school myself, I found I was destined to be an agriculture teacher. It wasn’t until I toured the University of Idaho my senior year did I know that being an agriculture teacher was even a career! This job takes dedication and perseverance but is the most rewarding project I have ever been a part of....

Katie Cooper Salmon High School My name is Katie Cooper and I teach at Salmon Jr-Sr High School in Salmon Idaho. This is my 10th year teaching here. I went into the field of education because I love working with other people. I started my career working with college-age students, and then had the opportunity to come back and teach in a high school setting. That has since expanded into students ranging from 7th to 12th grade entering my room at any given point during the day, as well as still working with adults on various professional development opportunities and in community education venues. I still find it very fulfilling to interact with others and allow them to learn things that are interesting and relevant to them. My students are involved in various CDE’s, and each year is a bit different depending on the makeup of the student population. My favorites are Horse Judging, Job Interview, Parli Pro, and Ag Mechanics. The variety of clas...

By Maggie Elliot Dr. Erik Anderson, extension professor of the department of Agricultural and Extension Education will retire in May after a career characterized by the relentless ability to seize opportunities to grow his aptitudes and ultimately contribute to the advancement of extension education and distance learning programs. Dr. Anderson has always sought new adventures to refine his talents or learn new skills. He’s worked in video production at South Dakota State University, performed cable operations in Boise, and served as both a Distance Learning and Communication specialist for CALS. Within his role as extension professor, Dr. Anderson has worked as an advocate for online and distance education, and aided faculty in disseminating research. A California native nurturing a fascination for film and video, Dr. Anderson was drawn to the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest and studied telecommunications at the University of Idaho as an undergraduate. ...

The start of the new semester and new year, also kicks off the start of a new term for a new CFFA Executive Officer team. Elected in November at the Fall Banquet, the team is very excited to kick off their year- starting with the annul executive board retreat. The team brainstorming new ideas for the year This year, the retreat was hosted by Dr. Smith on Saturday, January 27 th . Prior to the retreat, the team had never worked together nor even knew each other. However, after an afternoon full of leadership building activities, brainstorming sessions, an intense pizza making competition, and the development of the chapter’s program of activities, they feel prepared and ready to take on another incredible year. CFFA Reporter, Sydney Candler, said “The retreat was great! Being able to come together and create a connection with my teammates was invaluable. I am so excited for our year!”. Taking part in a leadership building activity! CFFA will kick off its 2018 year with ...

CFFA Members stopped at the Columbus Zoo on their way to Indianapolis National FFA Convention week is here! Every year faculty from the department of Agricultural and Extension Education aid in the facilitation of three national Career Development Events, and this year eight members of Collegiate FFA are joining these professors in Indianapolis, helping to coordinate the Parliamentary Procedure, Prepared Public Speaking, and Agriscience Fair contests.  We also wish the best of luck to Gretchen Hansten who is serving as Idaho FFA’s National Officer Candidate and has worked hard to pursue her dream of serving as a National FFA Officer. Seventeen students from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences will be receiving their American FFA degrees on Saturday. University of Idaho's Collegiate FFA is proud to serve at National Convention and help make learning opportunities available for FFA members all over the country!

Saturday, October 7 th Collegiate FFA members gathered as part of the College of Agricultural and Life Science’s Ag Days event and facilitated a livestock judging competition. This contest annually attracts teams from all over the region, and over 100 high school students competed. We wish all participants the best of luck in their future contests!

Midterms are next week! This point of the semester can be a stressful time. Here are some tips from AEE department seniors, veterans of midterm week, to help you stay on track and excel in your studies. Campus is stunning this time of year! Make time to take a break from your studies and explore the scenery!   Gabby Munson Although it is in my nature to procrastinate, through my college experience I have realized that setting time aside early to commit to studying for different classes reduces much of the anxiety associated with a big midterm exam. Another habit I’ve found helpful that   decreases stress is to compile a list of questions about lecture material.   And ask them! Approach your professors during their office hours and learn more about the subject matter. The material becomes easier to remember on the test when you have had personal interaction with the instructor. RyAnna Carter   My advice is to find a group of people to ...