Northern PAAE Meeting

On Thursday, April 9, I attended the Northern Region Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE) meeting at the Williamsport Hoss's. Mr. Kessler, Mrs. Spurrier, two students, Annette Gray (the regional FFA representative) and I all attended together. Two Mifflinburg students were attending to go to SOCS (State Officer Candidate School). They are currently juniors and are planning on running for a state FFA officer position next year.

When we arrived, I saw lots of familiar faces- student teachers, ag teachers and FFA personnel. It was nice chatting and catching up with these individuals. We ordered our dinner, took a trip to the salad bar, and then the meeting began. The president called the meeting to order and we got started.

We covered so much information during the meeting, and I was amazed at the pace and excitement of the ag teachers. We talked about the Summer PAAE conference and the accommodations that have been arranged for that. We also discussed how we could promote agricultural education within the governmental system, by speaking with representatives and senators.

The topic of the forthcoming new Pennsylvania FFA/ PAAE website was also discussed. Lots of great discussion was made about this topic, and it was motioned that PAAE pay a portion towards updating that website.

The dance at State FFA Activities Week was also discussed. For some reason, teacher's opinions on this dance really surprised me. Many of them seemed against it, and encouraged Mr. Brammer to eliminate it from States. As a student, I remember how much I enjoyed taking a break from the competitive CDE's while at the dance. However, as a teacher, I can see why there might be concerns.

Another topic that I found very interesting, focused around student certifications. In our folders, we had a list of all documented student certifications that each Ag program had according to CIP code. With the new Governor, it is going to be emphasized in Chapter 339 visits that students have relevant and up-to-date certifications, which will be helpful in their future careers.

Overall, I was pleased with this meeting and I am proud to be a member of this organization. Not only do I think that it helps make connections with other agricultural educators, but it also helps keep us updated on news, events and happenings that will directly effect our career.