This program helps educators improve their agriscience programs and provide in-depth agricultural education experiences for students.

The Agriscience Education Leadership Program helps middle- and high-school agriscience teachers, science teachers and administrators improve their agriscience programs and provide in-depth agricultural education experiences for students.

Nominated by school district superintendents and reviewed by a selection committee, up to 15 educators are chosen to participate in the program each year.

Participants take four different trips, each lasting three or four days, to various areas in Florida. Participants 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. An expected trip schedule will be provided to the participants before they officially accept their position on the leadership team.

Program Criteria

1. The candidate must first be nominated by the District Superintendent.
2. The candidate must have at last three years of teaching experience.
3. The candidate must currently be teaching at the middle- or high-school level in an agriscience or science classroom or be in an administrative role over those programs of study.
4. Each candidate will be evaluated in terms of their professional development activities; membership and involvement with professional organizations will be considered.
5. Each candidate will be evaluated on demonstration of leadership qualities as evidenced by community and industry involvement, or other activities shown on the application.
6. The candidate’s responses to application questions regarding the teaching profession as a whole and agriscience education must show logic and breadth of thought, as well as sincerity.
7. The candidate will be evaluated on the evidence that the nature and scope of his/her concerns range beyond self-interest and/or narrow perspectives.
8. Each candidate will be evaluated in terms of the applicant’s commitment to continued involvement with the education profession.
9. Reasonable representation within each class will be sought from the standpoint of geographical location.
10. All persons will be considered without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion or disability.

Program Outline

Industry Sessions

• Latest Industry Trends (Production, Sales and Marketing, Research)
• Governmental Issues
• Environmental Concerns
• Business/Marketing Strategies and Issues

These sessions are broken down by geographical region, including North, Central and South Florida.

Government Overview

• Agency Overview and Tours
• Briefings on Current Agricultural and Educational Issues
• Attend Legislative Committee Meetings and Session
• Visit Local Legislative Delegation

This session is held in Tallahassee and the schedule is determined by the Florida Legislative Session.

Program Graduation/Recognition 

A program graduation ceremony and alumni reception will be held in conjunction with the Florida FFA State Convention & Expo (typically in June).

Comments From Participants

"It is important for agriscience educators to be able to relay the most current information and trends in agriculture to the students. We hope the things we learn about agriculture and our Florida environment will make our students better consumers and will encourage them to consider pursuing a career in agriculture." — Susan Kelly

"Because of your efforts, our teachers will be prepared to help our students meet the exciting challenges in the future of agriculture." — Daniel Cox

"I know I will benefit from the information gained and intend to transfer your enthusiasm and knowledge to better prepare my students for their future. In addition hopefully we will be able to promote agriculture education and the impact that agriculture has on our economy and quality of life." — Lynn Nobles

"We as agriculture teachers many times feel we are on our own in our mission to educate and excite young minds to the important field we are in, but after our visit I know I came home feeling much more support than ever before. I am excited about this program." — Beth Guevara

"I just wanted to let you know how much I learned from the things we saw and experienced. Please do all you can to keep this program so my fellow educators can grow from it as well." — Ben Randolph

"This has made a tremendous impact on me and the others in the program. The experiences that I have been able to take back to my classroom and share with my students have been most rewarding." — Lori Albritton

Frequently Asked Questions

• FAQ About the Agriscience Education Leadership Program