By Andi Anderson
Future agriculture teachers are gaining valuable classroom experience through a unique certification program designed to prepare them for modern educational challenges. Agricultural and life sciences education students recently completed specialized training that placed them in the role of middle school learners.
The training, known as the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education AgXplore certification, is led by graduate student Darla Romberger. The program prepares future teachers to deliver lessons based on AgX concepts, which introduce students to agriculture through interactive and practical activities.
“It’s really meant to get middle school students literate with many different facets of agriculture,” Romberger said. “The teacher certification students are also seeing different ways that you can introduce topics to students to build that foundation of agricultural literacy.”
The AgX curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning related to plants, animals, renewable resources, food science, and problem-solving. Teacher candidates complete each lesson from a middle school student’s perspective. They later discuss how to adapt and present the content effectively as educators.
Iowa State University is one of only three institutions in the United States offering CASE certification to pre-service teachers. Jon Davis, associate teaching professor in agricultural education and studies, said the opportunity helps students stand out as future professionals.
“Our team saw the opportunity to set our student teachers apart by providing them with this tool to utilize in their practicum experience, as well as elevating their certification as part of their job-seeking pathway,” Davis said.
Romberger explained that the training fits well with changing education needs.
“We’re starting to see a lot more high school ag programs, both in Iowa and across the United States, have a required middle school rotational course,” Romberger added.
Throughout the program, students reflect on teaching strategies and classroom management.
“We step back and debrief as a teacher and talk about what did I need to think about in terms of facilitating,” Romberger said.
Students report the certification has immediate value.
“I have really valued having this certification going into student teaching,” Fisher said.
Romberger emphasized the importance of awareness in teaching.
“This experience has really encouraged me to be in the moment,” she said.
The certification strengthens teaching readiness and supports effective agricultural education in future classrooms.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-lisegagne
Categories: Iowa, Education