Sacramento Scene: California’s Master Plan for Career Education

By Matt Patton, Executive Director

In December 2024, California introduced the Master Plan for Career Education to prepare learners for the evolving workforce. The plan focuses on enhancing career pathways, hands-on learning, and improving access and affordability across K-12, higher education, and workforce development. Key initiatives include a statewide planning body, a "career passport," expanded career pathways, affordable education, and support for diverse entry points like libraries and prisons.

Prioritizing underserved groups, such as disabled adults and justice-involved individuals, the plan allocates $100 million for local collaborations. Strategies like Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and revising job descriptions aim to lower barriers to workforce entry. Governor Newsom underscored the importance of local input and enhanced data systems in creating an equitable career education ecosystem.

The Master Plan seeks to create a cohesive career education infrastructure that is forward-looking, equitable, accessible, and aligned with California's diverse needs. Recognizing that degree attainment cannot be the sole pathway to stable, well-paid work, the plan emphasizes the importance of practical experience and social capital. It also addresses financial barriers to education, particularly those exacerbated by California's high cost of living.

Burnout, Low Retention in Ag Education Instructors: Who’s Going to Teach the Future of Ag?

By Emily Vogl, The Fence Post

I Am Proud of My Profession

By Kristin Sheehan, Agricultural Educator at Madera South High School 

“I am proud of my profession,” is the first statement of the CATA Code of Ethics. This statement arguably sets the foundation for the other ethics statements. It serves as the basis for establishing and engaging in the agricultural education profession. At the New Professionals Conference and the San Joaquin Regional Road Show, professionals discussed ways in which we, as agricultural educators, can demonstrate pride in our profession. The purpose of this article is to take a closer look at each of the following recommendations:

1. Be an active participant in professional development and collaboration.
2. Dedicate personal time to ensure the success of students through the three-ring model.
3. Be an advocate for the profession and individuals within.

Be an active participant in professional development and collaboration.

Former National FFA Advisor, Steve Brown stated, “FFA is not a spectator sport.” The same sentiment should apply to the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA)—CATA is not a spectator sport. As a member-driven organization, its foundation and success rely on us, the professional educators.

Exciting Updates on CATA Awards and Summer Conference!

We’re thrilled to share the latest details about the 2024 CATA Awards and Summer Conference:

CATA Awards

• New Submittal Process: All award applications must now be submitted online through Cognito Forms. Other submission methods will not be accepted. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on February 15, 2025. Visit the CATA Awards and Applications page for application links and additional details.
• Introducing the Ideas Unlimited Award: This exciting new award recognizes innovative ideas from our members. Learn more and apply. (Stay tuned for potential integration with the Farm Show and Idea Show!)

CATA Summer Conference

Save the Date: Registration opens on February 7, 2025.

Visit the CATA Summer Conference page for updates and the registration link.

Thank you for your dedication to agricultural education. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and seeing you at the CATA Summer Conference!

NAAE Awards California Teacher

Congratulations to California’s own Kristin Sheehan of Madera South High School, the NAAE Region I Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher Award recipient! With 24 years of experience, Kristin has inspired countless students through hands-on learning in animal and veterinary science. She oversees the school’s poultry facility, sheep breeding program, and student-run cooperatives, mentors new teachers, and develops real-world opportunities like swine breeding and small animal care projects.



We’re proud to celebrate Kristin’s dedication to agricultural education and the lasting impact she’s made on students

Thank You Corporate Members!

The California Ag Teachers' Association appreciates the commitment of our corporate members who support agricultural education.

Last Chance To Nominate An Outstanding Ag Teacher

Nominations for the 2025 Golden Owl Award closes on January 17. Take five minutes to nominate a fellow ag teacher, and help them win $3,000 and receive national recognition. The Golden Owl Award Program, a partnership between Nationwide, California Farm Bureau, and California FFA, is designed to recognize teachers who go above and beyond. Nominate a colleague today!

To nominate an outstanding ag teacher, click here.

Giving Tuesday Jacket Distribution

Thanks to another successful Giving Tuesday, the California FFA Foundation raised enough funds for every chapter in the state to receive necessary components of FFA’s official dress, including a blue corduroy jacket and a gift card to purchase other uniform essentials. The set is to be given by the chapter to a dedicated FFA member who cannot afford to purchase their own official dress. Every chapter in California is eligible to apply.

Complete the Jotform (one per chapter) and the FFA Foundation will submit your order to National FFA on your behalf. Be sure to have your chapter number, shipping address, jacket types and sizes, and scarf and tie preferences before you start the form. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Casjens at hcasjens@californiaffa.org.

Applications for INFLUENCE Program Due Tomorrow!

Applications for INFLUENCE, NAAE's new year-long immersive program for agricultural educators with 15+ years of experience, are due tomorrow! This program is designed to help seasoned educators enhance their leadership and advocacy skills, empowering them to build and sustain influence within their local communities, schools, state agricultural teachers’ associations, other state organizations, and at regional and national levels.

Wilco’s Chapter Grant Program

Wilco’s FFA grants support chapters that need funding for special projects that will make an impact on their FFA chapter or greater community. Selected projects will receive $250 - $4,000 grants, and ALL active California FFA chapters are eligible. Previously funded projects have included chapter equipment and facility improvements like greenhouses and land labs, educational activities, and service projects. The next application period opens on February 3 and closes March 7, 2025.