CROGHAN, N.Y. — Cornell Agricultural Education Outreach, in partnership with the New York State Association of Agricultural Educators (NYAAE) Executive Council, New York State Education Department, and the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE), hosted their annual Professional Development Conference for Agricultural Educators June 23-27 2019 at the Oswegatchie Educational Center in Croghan, New York.
Director of Cornell Agricultural Education Outreach, Shari Lighthall stated, ” This year’s conference offered professional development to enhance the quality of instructional programs for secondary agricultural educators through in-service education with activity-based workshops that addressed the needs of our constantly changing agricultural and agriscience programs including development in rigorous STEM instruction and inquiry based learning. Sessions raised the importance of scientific rigor of agricultural courses for middle, high, and postsecondary educators with new technologies and resources for their classrooms.” At this year’s conference over 176 agricultural educators and guests were present.
A highlight of the professional development conference is the annual awards banquet, where educators who have demonstrated exceptional teaching throughout their careers are recognized. The following educators were recognized:
- Outstanding Young Member/Educator – Matt Sweeney from Royalton-Hartland High School;
- Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher – Deb Fletcher from Cobleskill-Richmondville High School;
- Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Program – Tedra Bean from Belleville Henderson Central School;
- Teacher Mentor – Nicole Hirt from Indian River High School;
- Ideas Unlimited – Tara Berescik from Tri-Valley Central School;
- Lifetime Achievement – Keith Schiebel retired from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill
Newly elected NYAAE President, Gleason Walley explained, “Agriculture is still such an important part of many communities. It is ever changing; dynamic and in continual need of young people ready to enter the developing careers. This conference with educational peers is a great way to collaborate with other agriculture educators. It serves as a reminder that our purpose is to develop future community contributors with an appreciation and the career skills needed for today’s agriculture.”
–NYS Agricultural Education Outreach
and NYS Association of
Agricultural Educators
For more articles out of New York, click here.