Mary Hoffmann, Sleepy Eye Ag. Teacher and FFA Advisor, attended the National Team Ag. Ed. Inservice in Indianapolis, Indiana January 23-25, 2023.
Hoffmann has been on The National Council for Agricultural Education board since 2020 as the National Association for Agricultural Educators (NAAE) representative. In 2021, she served as the Secretary for The Council and was the Chair Elect in 2022, followed by Chair in 2023.
Now, in 2024, Hoffmann took on the role as the past Chair of The Council. The National Council is made up of representatives from all Ag. Ed. Related Organizations (AERO) including: organizations and entities representing students, teachers, teacher educators, state leaders, alumni, industry, state and national foundation and government.
The National Council for Agricultural Education’s Vision is to create an intentional direction for the Agricultural Education Model by: connecting leaders, fostering collaboration, and driving action. Their Mission is to lead the future of school-based agricultural education by: identifying opportunities and resources, providing a forum for thought and direction, and focusing on academic and career success for all students.
Hoffmann’s role for the Inservice was to help present the workshops on the National Ag. Ed. Standards and the National Quality Program Standards for Agricultural Educators. These are two projects that The Council is currently working on updating and getting feedback from stakeholder leaders across this country. Hoffmann also participated in sessions at the Inservice as well as attended an Executive Board Meeting of The Council’s while at the conference.
Earlier this winter, Hoffmann attended the NAAE Convention in Phoenix, Arizona as part of her role on The Council. Helping to carry out the Ag. Ed. Summit, attending workshops, working The Council Booth at the Partner’s Reception, and participating in special events were part of her duties while at the Convention. Hoffmann is definitely a leader in Ag. Ed. in the nation and is an integral part of coordinating conversations and the work that helps Ag. teachers, not only in Minnesota, but nationwide.
“I continue to be excited about my board role with The Council and what is happening at the national level to keep Agricultural Education relevant as well as the collaboration that is taking place with the AERO groups around the country,” Hoffmann stated.