How does Diversity in Secondary Programs Benefit Pre-Service teachers and What Aspects can be Used in the Classroom?

Diversity in a program can encompass many things. Programs can be diverse in their content offered, the student demographics and the needs of the community. Pre-service teachers in agriculture education can face a wide variety of subjects and students when they enter the profession. The quality of a program in school-based agriculture education depends far more on the teacher and community rather than the resources that the school has. It's important for pre-service teachers to see all the ways teachers interact with students and the ways they access resources to meet their unique community needs.

For example, many schools in Montana focus on getting students into industry jobs right out of high school. Fort Benton High School had both a woodshop and recently joined their metal fabrication class into their agriculture program. Next we visited Cascade High School who focused more on SAE projects and their FFA involvement. Cascade even offered adult education programs, which was a unique experience.

If nothing else, exploring agriculture programs outside of Pennsylvania can show us what things PA Ag Ed could be beyond what it is currently. You don't know what you're going to face in your career, so its important to build your experiences as much as you can.