Submitted photo Mary Hoffmann, Sleepy Eye Ag. Teacher/FFA Advisor, presented The National Council for Agricultural Education’s Update at the Team Ag. Ed. Inservice in Indianapolis, Indiana while serving in her new role as Chair of The Council.

INDIANAPOLIS — Mary Hoffmann, Sleepy Eye Ag. Teacher and FFA Advisor, attended the National Team Ag. Ed. Inservice in Indianapolis, Indiana Jan. 24-26.

Hoffmann has been on The National Council for Agricultural Education board since 2020 as the National Association for Agricultural Educators (NAAE) representative. In 2021, she served as the Secretary for The Council and was the Chair Elect in 2022.

Now, in 2023, Hoffmann took over as the current Chair of The Council. 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 Inservice was three-fold. She served on the planning committee for the event, attended sessions at the Inservice, and presented The Council’s Update at the conference. The Update included: an overview of the priorities of The Council, successes from 2022, and goals for 2023-24. We are always looking at next steps for The Council to keep Agricultural Education moving forward.

“I am excited about my Chair role with The Council and what is happening at the national level to keep Agricultural Education relevant as well as the collaboration that is taking place with the AERO groups around the country,” Hoffmann stated.