About Us

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Overview	The National Council for Agricultural Education (The Council) strives to stimulate positive growth in agricultural education. Since its beginning in December 1983, The Council has provided leadership for stakeholders in agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems education. It strives to surface issues important to agricultural education and stimulate actions to support those issues. The Council serves as a common meeting ground for agricultural education and represents organizations and entities representing students, teachers, teacher educators, state leaders, alumni, industry, and government. The Council promotes success for students and teachers who participate in the formal agricultural education instructional programs offered in grades seven through adult throughout the 50 states and three U.S. territories.

Vision	The National Council for Agricultural Education will be the premier leadership organization for shaping and strengthening school- based agricultural education (SBAE).

Mission	The mission of The Council is to provide leadership and coordination to shape the future of school-based agricultural education. Relative to school-based agricultural education, The Council will: Proactively identify current and emerging issues of national concern, Provide innovative solutions in response to current and emerging issues, Coordinate the efforts of appropriate entities in strengthening programs, and Serve as a national advocate for school-based agricultural education.

Structure	During the early 1980's, it became apparent that a mechanism was needed through which the various stakeholders could coordinate in developing strategies to guide the agricultural education community into the 21st century. Out of this need, The Council was formed. The Council provides a place for National leaders of agricultural education meet, plan, develop policy, and initiate action for the continuous improvement of agriculture, food and natural resource systems education. The board of directors is made up of the officers of Agricultural Education Organizations and specific audience representatives. Officers from the following organizations are on the Council board of directors: Agricultural Education Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education (NASAE) Specific audience representatives on the board include: A representative of production agriculture recommended by the National Young Farmer Educational Association (NYFEA). An adult representing secondary students in agriculture recommended by the National FFA Board of Directors. An adult representing postsecondary students in agriculture recommended by the National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization (PAS). An Alumni representative recommended by the National FFA Alumni Association. An agribusiness representative recommended by the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board An adult level instructor recommended by the President of the National Farm and Ranch Business Management Education Association (NFRBMEA) A two-year postsecondary level instructor recommended by the President of the ACTE Agricultural Education Division. A representative of AgrowKnowledge recommended by the AgrowKnowledge Center See Agricultural Education Organizations.

Information	The Council publishes a weekly electronic newsletter entitled the Monday Morning Monitor which is published every Monday with the exception of Federal holidays. Click here for The National Council for Agricultural Education Bylaws (updated October 2008). (pdf) Council Annual Report 2008

Supporting the Council	The Council receives support through contributions from the organizations represented on its board of directors and from individuals who give voluntarily. Many teachers through their state teachers associations make a voluntary contribution of $2.00 when they pay their professional association membership dues. All contributions are used to support The Council's programs and activities that contribute to student and teacher success. The National FFA Foundation matches dollar for dollar (up to $25,000) all investments above $20,000 total made by individuals and the professional organizations (NAAE, AAAE, NASAE and the National FFA Alumni).

Headquarters	The Council provides leadership for developing and implementing the vision, mission, goals, national policies, and programs for agricultural education. Programs and activities are directed by the staff of the Agricultural Education National Headquarters. The headquarters office is located in Alexandria, Virginia.

Contact Us	National Council for Agricultural Education 1410 King Street, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314 Direct Phone: (703) 838-5889 Ag Ed Headquarters Toll Free: (800) 772-0939 FAX: (703) 838-5888 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Executive Secretary (703) 838-5882

Media Contact	Dr. Steve Brown, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Executive Secretary, (703) 838-5882

Web Inquiries	If you have any questions or comments about this site, please email John Torres at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .