Determining the professional development needs of Iowa school-based agricultural education teachers related to program design, leadership, and SAE development

Abstract

School-based agricultural education (SBAE) teachers face challenges and difficulties while working in the agricultural education profession. Burnout, work and family life balance, and time management are just a few of the challenges. The professional development needs of agricultural educators should be addressed. Fessler and Christensen (1992) indicated a teachers’ work and personal lives change throughout their career, therefore, professional development differs from the beginning of their profession. Malcolm Knowles' (1980) theory of andragogy was utilized as the conceptual framework for this study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the professional development needs of SBAE teachers in the state of Iowa. The SBAE teachers are perceived to have some level of professional development needs for topics related to program design and management. Leadership and SAE development were reported to represent areas of need. Professional development focusing on the development and use of advisory councils should be provided for Iowa SBAE teachers at various venues. The Iowa SBAE teachers should use the SAE For All (National Council for Agricultural Education, 2017) guide as a resource for developing and advising students on SAE projects.