University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

By Maggie Elliot For me, nothing marks a new beginning as well as a fresh coat of snow. In a season of resolutions, before diving headfirst into the year before us, it can be useful to pause and reflect on 2015. How have you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone-and did it pay off? Which accomplishments are you most proud of? As a college student, there are many opportunities to grow outside of the academic realm. Maybe you have some handy recipes up your  sleeves, or are more productive in the mornings than the year before. Perhaps through your studies you are gaining confidence in your abilities within your chosen career, or have made some great friends you can rely on for support. How will the habits you develop now maximize your personal growth for the year ahead? From getting more sleep to staying informed on world issues, there are countless chances to make the most out of every day.   I hope you are proud of how far yo...

by Maggie Elliot It’s about that time of year when we find ourselves waking up to mornings with a layer of frost dusting the rolling hills of the Palouse, when warm socks become our most valuable assets, and when visions of glorious spreads of home-cooked meals swim tantalizingly in the distance. Plus, there’s even some snow in the forecast. It’s about time for Thanksgiving! Members of Collegiate FFA celebrated the achievements of the past year, commemorated the seniors, and installed new officers at the Fall Feast, a Thanksgiving themed potluck dinner. Members were encouraged to write what they were thankful for on paper leaves, serving as decorations for the banquet. Many students noted the importance of family and friends. “ I’m so thankful to my family for supporting me, even if they are a state away,” mentioned one student. Calls from home, reassuring text messages, and care packages are ways students appreciate family members effort to keep in touch over distances, and ...

Homecoming Week is Upon Us! Dr. Jeremy Falk Check out the link and be  http://www.uidaho.edu/news/news-articles/news-releases/101615-homecoming2015   taken to the University of Idaho Homecoming site. You’ll find a wonderful schedule of events for the week – including the Vandal Jingle Competition on Wednesday evening, and the Serpentine that leads to the Bonfire Rally on Friday night. This year’s theme for Homecoming is, “A Hero’s Homecoming.” A “must” will be to participate in or watch the Homecoming Parade on Saturday at 10am on Main Street. It’s hosted by our four ROTC units; certainly fitting of the title of Heroes. Grab a friend and a cup of coffee and cheer on the floats before the football game at 2pm! Wear your Vandal clothing all week, or at least show your Vandal Spirit every chance you get. Brush up on the fight song – this is a great week to use it! Glad to have you all as Vandals… now go out there and be a Vandal!! 

2015 PTE New Teacher Workshop By: Dr. Jeremy Falk First-year Professional-Technical Education (PTE) teachers in Idaho attended a workshop on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 8-9 in the University of Idaho Water Center in Boise, Idaho. Twelve participants are beginning Agriculture & Natural Resources teachers. Teachers are either first-year teachers, or continuing teachers who are new to Idaho. Jeremy Falk from the department of Agricultural & Extension Education at University of Idaho was a facilitator for the workshop. Guest speakers for the Agriculture Teachers included Glen Orthel and Ben Meyer, who each helped identify strategies and resources for funding programs, managing an FFA chapter, and developing a plan of professional growth. Will Schumaker, West Ada School district Ag Teacher, also served as a panelist to decode classroom management. 

University of Idaho Heads to the Western Region Conference By: Dr. Jeremy Falk Faculty members from University of Idaho Agricultural and Extension Education recently attended the Western Region Conference for the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE). The conference was held in Corvallis, OR from Sept. 14-17 on the campus of Oregon State University. Dr. Falk joined presented his research about coaching behaviors of FFA advisors, and also presented a professional development workshop on recruiting efforts for the Teach Ag campaign. AAAE is a professional organization for the development of agricultural education, extension, leadership and communication. Membership is comprised of professors and graduate students and topics of presentation are sought to further the impact of agricultural education.