There are many ways to start your journey.
Explore them below and jump into a rewarding career as an agriculture teacher!
How to Start a Program
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) programs prepare students for careers through classroom instruction, work-based learning, and Leadership Development (FFA) Program approval, managed by the Minnesota Department of Education, mandates safety, leadership, teacher licensure, and an industry advisory, with both public and private schools eligible to apply. Learn more about how to start your program here.
Curriculum & Resources
Curriculum and resources provide comprehensive support for Minnesota’s agricultural educators, offering tools aligned with state and national standards to develop locally relevant Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) programs. Resources include the Minnesota AFNR Standards and Frameworks, safety manuals, advisory committee handbook, and online curriculum guides from the National Council for Agricultural Education).
Grant Opportunities
Minnesota offers a variety of grants for agricultural educators, providing support across local, state and federal levels. Key funding opportunities include the Perkins V and Minnesota CTE Revenue programs, the Minnesota Agricultural Education Summer Grant, and MAELC’s Strategic Initiative grants. Review a robust list of these opportunities and application information here.
Mentoring
Minnesota provides robust onboarding and mentorship for new agriculture teachers, fostering a supportive network among peers to enhance success. Agriculture teachers support each other! Take advantage of this strong network of peers to help you succeed.
Professional Development
There are many professional development opportunities to help you grow personally and keep your classroom content relevant. The Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE) hosts two major conferences each year: the AgTech Conference in January and the Summer Conference in July, where educators can network with other teachers across the state, access valuable resources, and develop their teaching skills. Additionally, summer workshops cover a range of topics such as Animal Health, Greenhouse Management, and Agricultural Mechanics, while special events like the Minnesota CTE Summit and national conferences offer further professional growth and networking opportunities, ensuring educators have the tools needed to thrive in their classrooms.
Professional Organizations
Joining one or more professional organizations allows you to connect with like minded individuals who want to lift you up and help you be successful in your field. Learn more about these great opportunities!