Submitted photo Sleepy Eye Ag. Students were TAGGED to Teach Ag. on Thursday September 21st by advisors, Mary Hoffmann, Nathan McMullen, and Kylie Lessman. Pictured from L to R – Front: McKenna Dockter, Maranda Braulick, Paige Romberg, Josie Lang. Tatianna Rudolph, Martina Nienhaus. Middle Row: Morgan Hoffmann, Presley Bauer, Jacob Berg, Parker Neid, Rafa Martinez, Logan Mickelson. Back Row: Evan Fischer, Macy Schenk, Emma Fischer, Trey Heiderscheidt, Jon Mickelson, Clarissa Simonsen, Jadon Haala, Kathryn Schroepfer.

SLEEPY EYE — Thursday, September 21st, 2017 was a nationwide celebration for the profession of Agricultural Education. It was National Teach Ag. Day.

The Sleepy Eye Ag. Teachers are continually encouraging their students to think about a career in Ag. Education. 15 Sleepy Eye students were TAGGED by Mrs. Hoffmann, Mr. McMullen, and Ms. Lessman. These 8th – 12th graders were given a TAGGED to Teach Ag. Certificate and T-shirt that Hoffmann designed.

All previously tagged students were invited to the Ag. room for a muffin and wore their teach Ag. t-shirts.

Last year, nationwide, there were over 89 Ag. Ed. Positions that went unfilled due to the shortage of Ag. Teachers. Over 300 more were filled by alternatively certified teachers in order to keep the Ag. Programs open. There is a clear need for more students who are passionate about agriculture to pursue Ag. Education as a career. National Teach Ag. Day draws attention to the shortage issue and hopes to inspire students around the country to become Ag. Teachers.

“Love what you do, do what you love — Teach Ag!”states Mrs. Hoffmann.