The Golden Slate: Get the Latest Ag Education News

California Representing at the National Level

Congratulations to the following agriculture teachers and FFA supporters who strongly represented California as winners and honorees at the national level.

National Association of Agricultural Educators Region I Winners:

Outstanding Ag Educator – Kristin Sheehan

Outstanding Ag Program – Surprise Valley FFA (Maigen Scritchfield)

Honorary American FFA Degree Recipients 2024

Dennis Albiani

Michael Borel

Kelly Brackett

Marlene Hepner

Eric Jenks

Brian Kim (pictured)

Erin Larrus

Arturo Madriz

Lidia Madriz

Shelli Stinson

Chris Williams

Thank you to these dedicated leaders for their outstanding contributions to agricultural education and support of FFA—California is proud to have you representing us on the national stage!

Results from the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo

California FFA members represented the Golden State well at this year's National FFA Convention! Check out the highlights below.

Proficiency Champions

Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance - Placement: Logan Wood, Fresno-Central FFA

Forage Production: Cade Stafford, Sutter FFA

Poultry Production: Nathan Hutchison, Madera-Liberty FFA

Specialty Animal Production: Max Landon, Durham FFA

Agricultural Education: Sophia Gomes, Tulare FFA

Agricultural Services: Jeremy Eaton, Galt FFA

CDE National Champion

Floriculture: Ripon-Ripon Christian FFA

LDE National Champion

Conduct of Chapter Meetings: Galt-Liberty Ranch FFA

National Agriscience Champions

Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems:

Division 4: Ellie Carmichael & Jimena Reynaga-Castro, St. Helena FFA

Plant Systems:

Division 4: Lexi Forman & Julianna Carroll, St. Helena FFA

Division 5: Tessa Camacho, O’Neals-Minarets FFA

Power, Structural & Technical Systems

Division 6: Magdelena R Chapman & Bryson Osuna, Lakeside-El Capitan FFA

Click here to see a complete listing of California's results.

ALL RESULTS

Investing in Ag Teacher Connections and Camaraderie in the Southern Region

By Curtis Martineau, Southern Region CATA Reporter

The Southern Region has just completed our Regional Fall Meeting and Awards Banquet. This year, our regional officer team is focused on strengthening professional relationships and bonds among teachers. A highlight of our meeting is welcoming new teachers; this year, we introduced about 15 new teachers to our region. As part of our tradition, each new teacher is presented with a metal FFA Emblem crafted by the agricultural mechanics program at Holtville, with each emblem personalized to honor them as they join this respected community.

We are committed to showcasing the contributions of all teachers in our region. This year, we introduced a new “G.O.A.T.” award that will rotate through each section. This award recognizes a teacher for something unique, memorable, or for celebrating an achievement in their career. As ag teachers, our work is continuous, and we aim to make both new and veteran teachers feel valued and acknowledged for their efforts within CATA and their programs.

To build camaraderie, we also hosted a region-wide Olympics-style event to go along with our theme, “Go For The Gold.” Teachers teamed up with others from their sections to compete in fun contests, with plenty of time to socialize, catch up, and share best practices. Our team received a lot of positive feedback, and we look forward to creating more ways for teachers to connect throughout the year.

By investing in these relationships, we strengthen not only our region but also our profession as a whole—building a network of ag educators who support, inspire, and celebrate one another’s growth and success.

How Should Schools Handle AI?

From the San Diego Union Tribune

In a recent article from the San Diego Union-Tribune, educators share their experiences and strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms. With AI tools becoming more prevalent, teachers are finding creative ways to use them for personalized learning, while also navigating ethical concerns and practical limitations. Dive into this exploration of AI's potential and the different approaches shaping its role in education.

Upcoming Deadlines

There are several important deadlines on the horizon. Take a look at our application resources page on our website and encourage your students to apply.

Help Get the Word Out: Support CA FFA on Giving Tuesday

Join us in championing California FFA by spreading the word! Use the graphic and text below to share with your chapter’s followers on Giving Tuesday, December 3. If your students have benefitted from the initiative, be sure to add a chapter photo or personal testimony.

It’s Giving Tuesday! Let's unite with other FFA chapters across the state to "Give the Gift of Blue." Today, we’re raising funds to supply FFA jackets to members, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to proudly wear an iconic blue jacket personalized with their very own name. Blue Diamond Growers has generously committed to match donations, doubling the impact of your contribution, up to $25,000. This means your support goes even further in making a difference in the lives of FFA members. Ready to make a meaningful impact? Click here to contribute and be part of this incredible initiative!

LEARN MORE

Thank You Corporate Members!

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

Corporate Member List

Now is the time to submit registrations for California FFA’s Made for Excellence (MFE) and Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA), and applications for Sacramento Leadership Experience (SLE).

MFE and ALA

These two-day conferences are designed to engage sophomore (MFE) and junior (ALA) FFA members at their respective levels. MFE participants will spend the weekend learning about their personal values and understanding how to connect with others, while ALA participants will discover how to work with others and accomplish a shared goal. Early registration is $105 per student (ends November 29) and the registration deadline is December 20, 2024.

Conference dates and locations.

SLE

This statewide conference allows high school seniors to step into the role of one of California's State Legislators. Participants are assigned a specific California legislative district and spend four days in Sacramento. SLE focuses on the role of government, agricultural policy, and advocacy. Applications are open and due December 13, 2024.

More information about SLE.

Call for Presenters: 2025 Germinate Summer Conference

Each summer, Green and Growing Education hosts a virtual professional development conference tailored specifically for agriculture teachers, by agriculture teachers. Applications are now open for presenters at the 2025 Germinate Summer Conference, offering agriculture teachers the chance to share their expertise with a national audience. Selected presenters will be compensated and receive full access to conference events. Apply now to showcase the impactful work happening in your program!

Advancing Agriculture in Your Classroom

Looking for new and exciting ways to make agriculture come alive for your students?

For four decades California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom has provided free resources for teachers to bring agriculture education straight to the student. They do this with informative, interactive and California Education Standard aligned lessons and curriculum.

Whether you're looking for materials to support your ag science students, activities for hosting a farm day, or funding opportunities to expand outreach, there's plenty to discover at learnaboutag.org.

Want more inspiration? Follow them on Instagram and Facebook @LearnaboutAg and LinkedIn @California Foundation for Ag in the Classroom.

Consider Ag in the Classroom as your partner in increasing agricultural literacy and share our resources with fellow educators. Thank you for helping grow agriculture awareness within the next generation.

WEBSITE

2024 NAAE Convention

Join fellow ag educators December 3-7 in San Antonio for the 2024 NAAE Convention, the premier professional development event of the year. With over 80 ag-specific workshops and countless networking opportunities, it's the ideal time to sharpen your skills and connect with peers from across the nation. This is an opportunity to invest in your growth as an educator—you won’t want to miss it!

The NAAE Convention is held alongside ACTE's CareerTech VISION, offering members access to both events at a discounted rate. With aligned schedules, attendees can explore sessions from both conventions for one price. Don’t miss out on this exceptional experience!

Financial Assistance for SAE Projects: Due Tomorrow!

Students can apply for a grant from the National FFA Organization if they need financial assistance to start or expand their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. Grants of $1,000 are available for starting projects, while eligible members can receive $5,000 or $9,000 by demonstrating three-year goals, a timeline, and a budget. Applicants must be enrolled FFA members in grades 7-12. Last year, seven California FFA members were awarded an SAE Grant, and your students could be among the recipients this year! Remind them to submit their applications by November 15. For more information, they can visit ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/sae-grants.

National FFA News and Updates

Compiled by Cara Parlato and Audrey Lent, National FFA Teacher Ambassadors

Ag Teacher International Travel Grant (Due Tomorrow)

The Lyle Orwig International Travel Grant for Agriculture Educators launched on October 1! Visit www.ffa.org/application-center to apply by November 15 for a chance to receive $5,600 for an international adventure of your choice!

National FFA Facilitator Opportunities

Applications are open for roles with the National FFA Organization's State Officer Programs and the Washington Leadership Conference. Please consider applying and share this information with any individuals who would be a great fit.

Job Listings:

State Officer Training Facilitator

Washington Leadership Conference Facilitator, Director, Education Coordinator