needs assessment

In spring 2024, the National FFA Organization surveyed a national sample of 218 FFA advisors and agriculture teachers of fifth- to eighth-grade agriculture programs. Questions on the survey inquired about how their program operates, student engagement, general support, barriers, challenges, and the resources educators use and are looking for. The following summary highlights some key results. The survey received a national sample The survey intentionally sought responses from teachers across the nation. The highest number of survey responses came from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. When asked to indicate approximately how many students are in their fifth- to eighth-grade agriculture programs, respondents reported an average of 234 students. Responses reflected a wide range, from six to 900 students. The structure of middle school (grades 5-8) agriculture programs varies nationwide Almost 90% of respondents (N=182) reported that their agriculture class is offered as an elective, while 13% said it is a required course. 9 in 10 respondents reported that their agriculture program uses the three-component model.1 Nine percent reported that their chapter operates differently from [...]

Keeping agriculture educators at the frontline of innovation in today’s classrooms In order to stay up-to-date with today’s teachers, National FFA seeks feedback from agriculture educators in two main ways: consulting with the National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA and conducting a formal advisor needs assessment survey every two years. Growing professionally as National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA present educational sessions on FFA educator resources and are overall representatives of the National FFA Organization. We asked 54 National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA (serving 2020-21) how the ambassador program enhanced their ability to grow professionally. Ambassadors told us that gaining knowledge on FFA resources most enhanced their ability to grow professionally. Gaining knowledge on FFA resources – 98% Networking/meeting other agriculture teachers – 90% Becoming a resource for other teachers/serving teachers – 90% Connecting with National FFA staff – 87% For the second year in a row, the majority of 2020-21 ambassadors (89%) said that providing information and resources to other teachers was their greatest impact of their role. Where are they? Locations [...]

The National FFA Organization conducts a biannual survey of agriculture educators/FFA advisors. The purpose of the survey is to obtain a national representation of educators to participate and provide insight into what National FFA resources teachers are using in their classrooms and local chapters, as well as what future resources they need. This document shares findings directly from agriculture teachers from 2023. In spring 2023, the National FFA Organization distributed an online survey to all 14,158 FFA advisors in the national membership roster. The survey received 2,480 (partial or complete) responses, yielding an 18% overall response rate. 2023 Advisor Needs Assessment Findings Top Three Areas of Need for Resources Identified by Agriculture Educators Developing SAE opportunities for students (N=1,332) Filling out award applications (N=1,167) Filling out FFA grants (N=1,119) Sixty-one percent of respondents said National FFA provides enough resources to support advisors. Top Five Pathway Educational Resources Requested by Agriculture Educators Animal Systems Plant Systems Agriculture Technology Power, Structural and Technical Systems Agribusiness FFA Advisors’ Greatest Challenges and Barriers Respondents were asked what their biggest challenge [...]

A study conducted by the National FFA Organization in March through May of 2019 provided feedback from 708 agriculture teachers and FFA advisors from the eastern, southern, central and western FFA regions about their needs as agriculture educators, educational resources and experiences offered by FFA, their relationship with FFA and a variety of other topics. This document outlines some key findings from that study. Alternatively Certified Teachers Alternatively certified teachers are those who have been awarded a teaching license even though they have not completed a traditional teacher certification program. In all subject areas in every state in the U.S., individuals who choose to become a certified teacher through alternate means help to fill open positions that exist due to problems facing teaching nationwide, especially teacher recruitment and retention.1 Agricultural education, specifically, has historically faced challenges in teacher recruitment and retention.2 The Advisor Needs Assessment revealed that 18% of agriculture teachers surveyed are alternatively certified. Those who reported being alternatively certified stated that their biggest challenges include navigating FFA, developing classroom management, running and starting an [...]

The National FFA Organization conducts a biannual survey to identify and assess the current needs of agriculture educators/FFA advisors while aiming to understand the demands of the teaching profession better. The survey results provide insights into what National FFA resources teachers are using in their classrooms and local chapters and what future resources they need. This document shares findings directly from agriculture teachers from 2025. FFA Advisors’ Greatest Challenges Three out of four respondents (75%, N=799) named lack of student motivation as their biggest challenge in navigating their classrooms within the last two years—the same as in 2023. Thirty-seven percent (N=390) indicated a lack of resources in the classroom. Twenty-nine percent (N=313) said a lack of support from students’ parents/guardians. Twenty-six percent (N=279) reported a lack of support from administration. One in four (25%, N=264) respondents chose “struggles with my health” (mental, physical, emotional). Just over half of respondents (52%, N=536) reported being quite or extremely satisfied with their jobs. Almost three in four respondents (72%, N=732) feel supported in their classrooms in the last three [...]