Future ag teachers shape Minnesota’s FFA growth
Liv Vander Kooi, a Worthington High School senior, signed a 'Commitment to Teach Ag' certificate at the Minnesota State FFA Convention, indicating her intent to pursue a degree in agricultural education. Minnesota FFA is growing, with three new chapters chartered and a need for new ag teachers due to retirements and openings.
Liv Vander Kooi, a Worthington High School senior, signed a 'Commitment to Teach Ag' certificate at the Minnesota State FFA Convention. She joins 17 other FFA members who also signed the certificate, signifying their intent to attend a college or university to pursue a degree in agricultural education. Minnesota FFA is growing, with three new chapters chartered: Eden Prairie, Swanville, and Northern Lights Community School in Warba. The state had 43 openings for agriculture teaching positions at the start of the 2024-25 school year, with 35 needing to be filled by out-of-state teachers or those from other industries. In spring 2025, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, UMN-Crookston, and Southwest Minnesota State University had 10 ag education graduates, with eight taking teaching positions. Vander Kooi's involvement in FFA and 4-H has driven her to become an agricultural education teacher, inspired by her teachers and Extension educators.
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