In 2016, the first National Teacher Ambassador for FFA training was held at the National FFA center with 24 ambassadors. Now, seven years in the making, the ambassador program has 71 teachers and mentors representing 38 states helping other agricultural educators.
Each year, a group of teachers are selected in the spring to serve in the program for 12 months starting in June. Ambassadors will answer questions from agriculture educators, provide trainings, and communicate about the educational resources and experiences that the National FFA Organization offers.
After being selected, ambassadors participate in three intensive days of training where they learn about and collaborate on educational resources.Throughout the year, ambassadors brainstorm and share ideas with teachers around the country while delivering educational presentations and gathering feedback from participants.
“Serving as a National Teacher Ambassador is one of the best parts of my job. I love sharing resources with teachers to help ease the burden of implementing new content in our classrooms. I also love the connections I’ve been able to make with teachers in my state, as well as across the country,” said Emma Huber, a National Teacher Ambassador for FFA from Wisconsin.
»Related: How the teacher shortage is affecting the National FFA Organization
Last year, 100 percent of the teacher ambassadors said that the program improved their ability to grow professionally. Teachers reported that they gained more knowledge about resources and how to share them with other teachers while networking.
“I’ve never loved professional development, but this was the best thing that I’ve done to make me a better ag teacher. I have applied so much of what I’ve learned and I know that it’s made me a better teacher,” said Amy Whitten, a Virginia National Teacher Ambassador for FFA.
»Related: Teacher shortage threatens future of agriculture in Arizona
