Ohio State University agriscience education students Cody McClain and Abby Motter were selected to attend the Future Agriscience Teacher (FAST) Symposium as part of the National Association of Agricultural Educators’ (NAAE) annual conference set for late November in San Antonio.

McClain and Motter are two of 35 agriscience education students from across the nation who were selected to attend the conference’s track for current preservice agricultural educators. Throughout the conference, students participating in the FAST Symposium will have opportunities for professional development, networking and mentoring. The sessions will focus on creating an inclusive classroom environment, inquiry-based learning, classroom management, professional development and collegiality.

Cody McClain

“I am proud of these two students for seeking opportunities to expand their professional development before entering the classroom,” says Tracy Kitchel, professor of agriscience education and chair of the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership at OSU. “The FAST Symposium will provide experiences for Cody and Abby to network with other educators with diverse classroom experiences that will benefit their future students.”

Abby Motter

McClain, of Nevada, and Motter, of Ashland, are seniors studying agriscience education. McClain will complete her student teaching experience beginning in January at National Trail High School in New Paris, Ohio, under the supervision of Eric Kennel. Motter will complete her student teaching at Alexander High School in Albany, Ohio, under the supervision of Bryan Ford, also beginning in January.

The agriscience education major at OSU prepares its students to acquire a license to teach agricultural science in secondary high schools in Ohio and across the country, with extensive training in agricultural science, educational psychology, instructional methods and youth development. For additional information on the agriscience education major, visit acel.osu.edu or call 614.247.6358.

Source: OSU Extension