The National FFA Organization is an organization that provides leadership and agriscience education for students across the country.
There are over ten thousand advisors who deliver an integrated model of agricultural education.
It helps members prepare for careers in agribusiness, communications and science.
In 2016, corporate sponsors contributed $21 million in financial support to the organization.
One of the greatest challenges facing FFA and agricultural education is the shortage of qualified teachers.
However, there are several things that can be done to address this issue.
Understanding the challenges that teachers face is a crucial first step.
These challenges can be addressed by implementing professional development and modifications to teacher education programs.
In addition, educators can address some of the challenges that they encounter by organizing and implementing school-based change.
Agricultural teachers must adapt to changing technologies and practices in the laboratory and field.
Similarly, the FFA has also evolved to meet new opportunities in agriculture.
As more women enter the workforce in non-traditional fields, the need for female agricultural education teachers increases.
Approximately fifteen percent of the agriculture teacher population is female.
This is not an issue unique to agricultural education, but it is important to address.
Another challenge facing the agricultural education sector is the lack of qualified African-American agricultural science teachers.
According to the Department of Labor Women's Bureau, women accounted for 42 percent of the labor force in 1980 and will increase to 47 percent by 2008.
Teachers and students may be experiencing COVID-19 differently.
Research findings suggest that higher income students experience fewer challenges than lower-income students.