Abby Motter, left, and Cody McClain
Ohio State agriscience education students Cody McClain and Abby Motter were selected to attend the Future Agriscience Teacher (FAST) Symposium as part of the National Association of Agricultural Educators’ (NAAE) annual conference in November in San Antonio, Texas.
McClain and Motter are two of 35 agriscience education students from across the nation who were selected to attend the conference’s track for current preservice agricultural educators. Throughout the conference, students participating in the FAST Symposium will experience professional development, networking and mentoring . The sessions will focus on creating an inclusive classroom environment, inquiry-based learning, classroom management, professional development and collegiality.
“I am proud of these two students for seeking opportunities to expand their professional development before entering the classroom,” said Dr. Tracy Kitchel, professor of agriscience education and chair of the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. “The FAST Symposium will provide experiences for Cody and Abby to network with other educators with diverse classroom experiences that will benefit their future students.”
McClain, of Nevada, and Motter, of Ashland, are seniors studying agriscience education. McClain will complete his student teaching experience beginning in January at National Trail High School in New Paris, Ohio, under the supervision of Mr. Eric Kennel. Motter will complete her student teaching at Alexander High School in Albany, Ohio, under the supervision of Mr. Bryan Ford, also beginning in January.
The agriscience education major at Ohio State prepares its students to acquire a license to teach agricultural science in secondary high schools in Ohio and across the country, with extensive training in agricultural science, educational psychology, instructional methods, and youth development. For additional information on the agriscience education major, visit acel.osu.edu or call 614.247.6358.