Teacher helps teach other teachers about high-tech ag

Marion High School’s Mark Meyer has returned from eight days of helping teach other teachers how to replicate his lessons about agricultural power and technology.

Meyer spent 80 hours working with 12 other teachers from seven states at a Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education program at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.

Among other things, he went through nearly every lesson in his year-long curriculum and taught how to deliver the lessons in student-directed rather than teacher-focused ways.

The eight-day CASE program seeks to change the culture of agriculture education in the United States through intense teacher development and certification.

The goal is to better prepare students for success in college and careers emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and math.

“I was privileged to have the opportunity to serve as a lead teacher for this institute,” Meyer said.

FFA leaders attend conference

Shelby Cairns, Cassie Meyer, and Antone Vinduska of the Marion FFA chapter were among 220 FFA members who gathered two weeks ago at Rock Springs Ranch near Junction City for a conference of chapter leaders.