Mary Hoffmann, Sleepy Eye Ag. Teacher and FFA Advisor, attended the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) and Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Conferences in San Antonio, Texas the week of Dec. 2nd.
As part of Hoffmann’s responsibilities on the National Council for Agricultural Education Board, she helped to conduct the Agricultural Education Summit on the forefront of the conferences. This summit was attended by high school and postsecondary agriculture teachers, state staff, postsecondary faculty, and others interested in advancing School Based Agricultural Education.
Hoffmann has been on The National Council for Agricultural Education board since 2020 and began as the National Association for Agricultural Educators (NAAE) representative. In 2021, she served as the Secretary for The Council, 2022 served as the Chair Elect, followed by Chair in 2023, and Past Chair in 2024.
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 Summit was to help plan and prepare for the event, introduce the Summit break out groups, and lead a group on the Vision for School Based Agricultural Education for 2040 as well as help work The Council Booth at the Partner’s Reception. Council projects that have come from the conversations at the Summit include the National Standards for Ag. Education and the National Quality Program Standards Revisions as well as an Administrator Guide for Ag. Education which Hoffmann is currently the Project Lead for.
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. She is now wrapping up her term as Past Chair of The Council this December.
“I have truly enjoyed my time on The Council. Being a catalyst for work at the national level to keep Agricultural Education relevant and moving forward as well as being part of the collaboration that is taking place with the AERO groups around the country has been super rewarding. I will definitely miss being part of this amazing team.” Hoffmann stated.