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What is the Agriscience Education Leadership Program?
The Agriscience Education Leadership Program offers agriscience teachers, science teachers and administrators a greater understanding of the potential agricultural education opportunities available to Florida students. Educators are challenged to refine their leadership skills and expand their knowledge of Florida’s agriculture industry sectors. Additionally, this program allows participants to diversify their curricula to include scientific and technological innovations to modern-day Florida agriculture, which helps broaden the educational foundation of our youth.
What is the need for this program?
Many of Florida's teachers have not had the opportunity to experience the breadth of Florida agriculture. From Pensacola to the Keys, Florida produces nearly 300 agricultural commodities that feed, clothe and shelter the world. Florida's educators will benefit from understanding how this industry affects their everyday lives and the role it plays in ensuring Florida's future. While agriscience instruction is offered in more than 300 public schools, agriculture relates to all subject areas and teachers of varying backgrounds now have an opportunity to learn how to incorporate agriculture subject matter into science, math, history, English, humanities and other classes.
How are participants selected?
Each school district superintendent is asked to nominate one agriscience teacher, one science teacher and one administrator from their county with at least three years of education experience. The nominees must submit completed applications and supplemental documentation that are then reviewed by the selection committee. The selection committee will choose 10 to 12 participants based on their application information and essay answers.
What does the program consist of?
The participants travel four times throughout the year to various areas of the state. Each trip allows participants to tour agricultural operations, meet with industry representatives, gain a greater understanding of Florida's natural resources, and expand their knowledge of career and leadership development opportunities.
In addition, during evening hours or in classrooms between trips, participants may work on group projects that will expand agriculture curriculum to benefit all Florida teachers and their students.
