National Recognition for Supporting Future Agriculture Teachers
Minnesota’s Future AgriScience Teacher Symposium, better known as FAST, has been featured in The Agricultural Education Magazine for its innovative approach to preparing and supporting future agriculture teachers.
The article, “From Preservice to Profession: How FAST Cultivates the Next Generation of Agricultural Educators,” appears in the national magazine’s November/December 2025 issue focused on innovative professional development. Written by Dr. Lavyne Rada, the feature shares how FAST helps college students begin building the skills, confidence and professional connections they will need before entering their own classrooms.
Creating Connections Before the Classroom
FAST began in 2019 with a goal of connecting students studying agricultural education with the professional community they would soon join.
Held alongside the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators winter conference, the symposium brings together future agriculture teachers from colleges across the Midwest. Participants learn from current educators, connect with students from other universities and begin developing a professional network early in their careers.
Sessions help students prepare for student teaching and their first agriculture teaching position. Topics have included licensure, applying for jobs, negotiating contracts, classroom strategies and maintaining balance and well-being as an educator.
Participants also attend the MAAE conference, where they can learn alongside practicing agriculture teachers and see the collaboration and mentorship available within the profession.
Building Minnesota’s Teacher Pipeline
During its first seven years, FAST served 161 students from six universities across four states.
The article also highlights encouraging results among program alumni. Of the 113 participants who had graduated, more than 80% entered the teaching profession. Nearly 80% of eligible graduates remained in the classroom beyond their first two years.
These results demonstrate the value of helping future teachers feel connected to the agricultural education community before graduation.
FAST is made possible through collaboration among Minnesota Team Ag Ed partners, universities, professional organizations, sponsors and agriculture teachers who share their experiences with participants. Together, these partners help future educators understand that they will not enter the profession alone.
Growing the Future of Agricultural Education
Being featured in a national agricultural education publication is an exciting recognition of the work happening in Minnesota to recruit, prepare and retain agriculture teachers.
More importantly, it highlights the people and partnerships that make FAST successful. By welcoming future teachers into the profession early, Minnesota is helping them build the relationships and confidence needed to grow, thrive and remain in agricultural education.
Read the full feature on pages 24-27 of the November/December 2025 issue of The Agricultural Education Magazine.