News

FFA membership soars in Iowa, need for teachers highlighted

Photo of Scott Johnson by Brent Barnett/Brownfield

The executive director of the Iowa FFA Association says student membership is at an all-time.

Scott Johnson says there’s a rising interest in FFA and agriculture education programs across the state.

“We continue to add ag education programs and FFA chapters in school systems around the state that didn’t previously have them. Membership is growing. We set an FFA membership record for the current year during FFA Week and we’ll continue to monitor that through the membership year.”

But he tells Brownfield the spike in membership has also created some challenges for school districts.

“It’s hard to find teachers. There are teacher shortages across all subject areas in education. We’re not immune to that. Some schools have had to get creative in finding those that are willing to come step in and lead those programs.”

Johnson says it will be critical for the association to provide professional development and mentoring support.

He spoke to Brownfield at the 97^th Iowa FFA State Convention, which concludes Tuesday, April 15^th in Ames. The interview can be heard below.