By Blake Jackson
Morehead State University continues preparing future agriculture educators through programs focused on hands-on learning, leadership development, and classroom teaching experience. The university’s agriculture education program combines agricultural science knowledge with teacher preparation to help students succeed in education and agricultural careers.
Students in the program study subjects such as animal science, plant science, agribusiness, agricultural mechanics, curriculum planning, classroom management, and teaching strategies. The program also gives students early opportunities to work in schools and gain real classroom experience before graduation.
“Students aren’t just learning how to teach...they are actively preparing to run full agricultural education programs in schools, including classroom instruction, FFA leadership, and supervised agricultural experiences,” said Shelby Roberts (Class of 2014), instructor of agriculture in the Department of Agricultural Sciences.
Students participate in field experiences, lesson planning, teaching practice, and student teaching assignments where they take responsibility for classroom instruction. Leadership opportunities through organizations such as the Ag Ed Society also help students connect classroom learning with real agricultural education activities.
The university’s Derrickson Agricultural Complex, known as the University Farm, provides students with hands-on learning opportunities close to campus. The facility allows students to work directly with livestock, plant production systems, and agricultural practices that support classroom learning and practical training.
“Having access to the University Farm allows students to experience agriculture in a way that is immediate and tangible. It provides a living laboratory where students can connect instructional content to real agricultural systems, whether that is livestock, plant production, or other agricultural practices,” Roberts said. “It also gives future teachers ideas and confidence in how to bring hands-on, experiential learning into their own classrooms.”
The program recently hosted a Spring Break Agriculture Exploration Day Camp for elementary students. Agriculture education majors led activities focused on food production, agriculture careers, and farming education while working alongside elementary education students.
Find out more about MSU’s Department of Agricultural Sciences, email agsi@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2662.
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Categories: Kentucky, Education