September 19, 2013 (Independence, IA) – Students in the Ag Ed program at Independence High School will celebrate National Teach Ag Day this coming Thursday, September 26^th, by hosting National FFA Central Region Vice-President Brennan Costello.

“Celebrating Teach Ag Day is a nation wide event that showcases the opportunity that lies within Agricultural Education. Every day I am fortunate enough to share my passion of the agricultural industry with others. I hope that with the variety of opportunities being presented through this newly established program and the celebration of Teach Ag Day students may be drawn to a career educating others and contribute to society in a positive and impactful way.” – Ag Ed Teacher, Rachael Emig

The newly elected officer team and FFA Chapter will welcome Costello to the new Independence Jr./Sr. High School on Thursday, September 26^th. After a guided tour led by the officer team, Costello will give a presentation on opportunities in FFA, Agricultural Education, and his experiences visiting FFA chapters across the country during his year serving on the National Officer Team.

When asked why she signed up for Agriculture classes, Stephanie McMillan said, “I am excited to learn more about the opportunities available in agriculture.”

Agriculture teachers prepare students for high-demand careers in cutting edge industries like biotechnology, renewable energies, engineering, food production, and more.  They also teach students how to be leaders and prepare them to take on the challenges of the next generation.

National Teach Ag Day is a day set aside to celebrate agricultural education, and for teachers to share with their students the possibilities of a career in the profession.  There is a national shortage of agricultural educators in the United States, and National Teach Ag Day is part of a campaign to raise awareness of the career.

National Teach Ag Day is a part of the National Teach Ag Campaign, an initiative of the National Council for Agricultural Education, led by the National Association of Agricultural Educators.  For more information about teaching agriculture, visit www.naae.org/teachag.  The National Teach Ag Campaign is funded by the CHS Foundation and CSX as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

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For more information:
Rachael Emig, FFA Advisor
remig@independence.k12.ia.us