Host Aaron Alejandro and Executive Director Ray Pieniazek Agree Agricultural Science Teachers Go All In To Provide Students with ‘Unlimited’ Choices – Mission Matters Podcast Agency
AUSTIN, Sept. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National FFA Organization is working to strengthen science and agriculture education opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest governmental organizations in the country.
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Ray Pieniazek, executive director of the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, an organization dedicated to supporting teachers through professional development opportunities, mentoring, and legal advice. Drawing on his decades of agricultural education experience, Pieniazek gives listeners a rare glimpse into the demanding and rewarding reality of agricultural educators across the country.
A day in the life
Ray Pieniazek, executive director of the Agricultural Teachers Association of Texas (ATAT), knows firsthand how busy the life of an agricultural educator can be. In addition to teaching up to 6-7 different classes in a day, Farming teachers have the responsibility of managing their specialized learning spaces – from maintaining animal and plant facilities to purchasing materials and equipment for welding and woodwork. “There are many more moving parts,” says Pieniazek. He recalls bringing a cow to school for students to practice palpation, and recalls another educator using chalk to draw skeletal structures on a real horse.
In addition, the profession of agricultural educator continues after the end of the school day. “Your second day starts when the bell rings,” says Pieniazek. After school, perhaps during FFA meetings/events or Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), teachers are able to form relationships with students that provide that “extra oomph” – in other words, the “competitive advantage” that the Education matters…
