University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

To celebrate the past, present, and future agriculture educators a group of students passionate about teaching agriculture came together on September 20, 2018, to celebrate National Teach Ag Day. The Department of Agricultural and Extension Education hosted an afterparty event that shared with student’s fun ways to implement Virtual Reality into the classroom. In addition to the 16 attendees from the University of Idaho, students from Oregon State University, Penn State University, and Kansas State University joined the fun via conference calls. Needless to say, the event was a hit! The event was split into two parts. The first was an interactive lesson from a Doceo Center intern, Farahan, about virtual reality glasses and using google maps in the classroom. Google glasses were provided to all participants so they could learn firsthand the benefits of such technology. In the second part, students heard from Alan Willmore, Jerome High School agriculture teacher, on how he uses virt...

Empowering Agricultural Education through Animal Science Block & Bridle member, Mallery Sisson, providing horse showmanship tips. Block and Bridle members have been given many opportunities to travel and instruct clinics in numerous counties. Any block and bridle member who has the desire to teach is permitted to do so at these clinics. Some of the individuals instructing these clinics are agricultural education undergrads. Makenna Ellinghaus, a sophomore majoring in agricultural education, stated “I believe that helping facilitate a clinic like the Block and Bridle spring clinic both benefits the youth in the area as well as members to expand the knowledge of livestock. This will help in the future as an agriculture educator to expand how I can help my students”. By teaching at these clinics, anyone can develop their public speaking skills as well as their teaching skills. Many times, the group will range anywhere from 8 years of age to 18. A clinician is given th...

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 ...