Who I Am & the Purpose of This Website
My name is Michael Southerland and I am an agriculture teacher at Cocke Co. High School in Newport, TN. The idea behind this project came from a future ag teachers seminar that I conducted at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in November 2009. The student-teachers that I spoke to seemed to be pleased with the seminar and were full of praise when it was over. So, I thought, why not take this seminar to another level - thus this website is born. Now, I know that there are plenty of other ag ed related websites on the Internet and that they contain all, if not more, information than you will find here. But, one of the main emphases of this project was to create a blog-style page and write on a variety of topics related to our field. And, I am hoping that other experienced teachers will chime in with their input. I also want to extend the option for other teachers to serve as "guest hosts" for a blog topic. If any ag teacher would like to contribute an article, tip or tidbit of information related to one of the categories listed for this website, please email it to me, via the "Contact Us" page and I will certainly post it and you will receive full credit. I thought a blog would be more personal and would allow better feedback than a discussion forum.
I would like to think that everyone will find some use for this website - for a lesson plan, a presentation to aid with a CDE team or even a new venture for raising additional funds. Again, if you have suggestions or critiques, please send them to me and I'll make improvements if I possibly can. Please add this website to your favorites and send it to your ag teaching friends.
On a side note, if anyone is interested in learning out more about me, you can read this article to find out how I developed a passion for this career and more of what my duties consist of.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2650395/fulfilling_a_destiny_by_teaching_agriculture.html?cat=4
In closing, I thank you again for stopping by. The overwhelming response that I have received over the past week has been very encouraging and exciting, to say the least. I wish each of you good luck with the remainder of your school year and best wishes for your career, no matter what stage you are in (just beginning or inching ever so close to retirement). And, I look forward to reading your comments and suggestions.
Take care,
Michael Southerland
Cocke Co. FFA Chapter
I would like to think that everyone will find some use for this website - for a lesson plan, a presentation to aid with a CDE team or even a new venture for raising additional funds. Again, if you have suggestions or critiques, please send them to me and I'll make improvements if I possibly can. Please add this website to your favorites and send it to your ag teaching friends.
On a side note, if anyone is interested in learning out more about me, you can read this article to find out how I developed a passion for this career and more of what my duties consist of.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2650395/fulfilling_a_destiny_by_teaching_agriculture.html?cat=4
In closing, I thank you again for stopping by. The overwhelming response that I have received over the past week has been very encouraging and exciting, to say the least. I wish each of you good luck with the remainder of your school year and best wishes for your career, no matter what stage you are in (just beginning or inching ever so close to retirement). And, I look forward to reading your comments and suggestions.
Take care,
Michael Southerland
Cocke Co. FFA Chapter
