Page 38 - Demo

We need to begin the process of changing the perception as to what agriculture is and its importance. It does not matter what career path the student takes; agriculture is going to play a critical role in their future.
Baker said that ABAC is an a ordable option for many students, and its national reputation in agricultural programs is a draw.
“Attending ABAC is more a ordable to some,” Baker explained. “By being able to provide an a ordable program in ag education, I think we will keep those students who would either transfer or change their major.”
ABAC has been providing bachelor’s degree in agriculture for more than 10 years, so the addition of a bachelor’s in agriculture education is part of a natural progression.
“With ABAC providing another option, it is a win-win for the state and the entire agricultural industry,” Baker said. “This is exciting for several reasons— rst, not just the need for agriculture teachers in Georgia but surrounding states.”
Baker explained that the importance of agricultural teachers in middle and high schools goes beyond workforce development.
“If students take ag education in middle or high school, they might
go into many diverse elds,” Baker said. “Also, students enrolled in an agricultural course are learning leadership skills, public speaking, and parliamentary procedures.”
Baker estimates that the rst students in ABAC’s agricultural education program will begin fall 2017.
“Once the Board of Regents
gave ABAC approval in October
of last year, we began working toward approval from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GPSC),” Baker said. “Every college that has an education program has to apply to the GPSC. Because this will
— Dr. Jerry Baker
be ABAC’s rst teacher preparation program, we have some hurdles to get through including completing a comprehensive list of pre-conditions.”
Baker and his team are in the process of developing the policies and procedures to meet the GPSC pre- conditions and prepare for a site visit this summer.
“Students are not eligible for admission into the agricultural education program until their junior year,” Baker said. “This is the standard at any school. We cannot begin to recruit until approval from the GPSC.”
The addition of agricultural education to ABAC’s current bachelor’s degree programs will continue to strengthen the college’s impact throughout Georgia and Southeastern United States.
38 SG MAGAZINE | SPRING 2017