UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State's agricultural and extension education program was well represented at this year’s National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) National Convention, where multiple faculty, students and alumni participated in workshops and were recognized with awards.
The convention — which took place Dec. 8-12 in Nashville, Tennessee — is a professional development event for agriculture educators that offers workshops and networking opportunities.
Laura Rice, assistant professor of agricultural and extension education in the College of Agricultural Sciences, said the college’s participation in the convention highlights its commitment to shaping the next generation of agriculture educators.
“Collectively, these recognitions and contributions underscore Penn State’s leadership in agricultural teacher education, workforce development, global engagement and professional service,” she said. “It was a privilege to see our faculty, students and alumni making such a meaningful impact on the national stage.”
Among those recognized with awards was Daniel Foster, an associate professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, who received the Region VI Outstanding Service Award, and Erica Teagarden, a fourth-year agricultural and extension education (AEE) major, who received the Student Teaching Scholarship.
Additionally, Michael Clark, AEE alumnus, was named Region VI Outstanding Agriculture Teacher, and Darla Romberger, AEE alumna, was named NAAE Region VI Vice President.
Current AEE students attended who are currently seniors preparing for their student teaching internship and participated in the Future AgriScience Teachers Symposium — a national professional development and networking experience for preservice agriculture teachers.
In addition to these activities and recognitions, Rice said Penn State’s global engagement was highlighted through the Global Teach Ag Network (GTAN), which curated a global learning pathway for the more than 1,200 secondary agriculture educators attending NAAE.
This pathway included Nicole Hall, an AEE alumna, leading the featured “Grab ‘n Go Global Ag Lessons” session; GTAN hosting Oisín Gill from the United Nations FAO World Food Forum, strengthening international partnerships; and Mia Sullivan, a current PhD candidate, presenting a research showcase titled “What in the GPI/GCI/IDI Do I Use? Examining Global Learning Assessment in Agricultural Teacher Education,” which highlighted Penn State scholarship.
Foster, who is also the co-founder of the GTAN and a Lifetime Member of NAAE, said he feels that the partnership between the association and Penn State feels personal.
“NAAE was there for me when I was a new agriscience teacher in Arizona, and it has continued to support me as a member of the agricultural education profession for more than two decades,” he said. “That sustained investment in educators is foundational to effective workforce development. When teachers are supported and developed, classrooms become talent pipelines, students gain the skills and mindset needed for agricultural careers, and we strengthen the workforce required to ensure a safer, more resilient and food-secure world.”