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Thanks to his selection for and participation in the 2014 National Agri-Science Preservice Teacher Program (NAPTP), Trent Taber—an agriculture education major in the WIU School of Agriculture—now has a better understanding of inquiry-based learning and common core practices, which he will be using in his student-teaching program, as well as in his future career as a teacher.
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Ag Student Selected for National Agri-Science Preservice Teacher Program

November 20, 2014

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MACOMB, IL — In less than two months, Western Illinois University senior Trent Taber (Atkinson, IL) will be back in the high school classroom, sharing his knowledge about agriculture.

Thanks to his selection for and participation in the 2014 National Agri-Science Preservice Teacher Program (NAPTP), Taber—an agriculture education major in the WIU School of Agriculture—now has a better understanding of inquiry-based learning and common core practices, which he will be using in his student-teaching program that starts in January, as well as in his future career as a teacher.

"In early September I applied to the program and then was accepted. The program was held in early November during the National FFA Convention in Louisville (KY). During it, we were given many new science labs and were taught the processes for how to teach them. We were also educated on many ways to maintain classroom organization and participation," he explained.

Taber said he attended the convention with the Newark (IL) High School FFA Chapter, the school at which he will be putting in his student-teaching service.

"Going into student teaching next semester, the program was a great way to learn about the standards that we, as teachers, will be held to. The contacts made from the program are people that I will be calling on during my student teaching and throughout my teaching career," Taber added.

"We are very fortunate to have students like Trent that are excited about exploring new teaching methodologies for teaching and learning," noted WIU School of Agriculture Director Andrew Baker. "Trent was able to learn more about the 'art and science' of teaching. He was able to learn more about the 'science' of agriculture, plus gain more experience in the 'art' of teaching through new methodologies that engage students into the content. I always get excited when our students want to be life-long learners. This experience will not only enhance Trent's teaching strategies, but will also enhance his opportunities to secure employment in the teaching profession."

According to the National Association of Agricultural Educators Associate Executive Director Alissa Smith, Taber was one of 30 students, from universities across the nation selected for the NAPTP, which was started in 2013 and is sponsored by DuPont, at the National FFA Convention.

"The NAPTP is committed to promoting inquiry-based teaching methods and the enhancement of science in agriculture to preservice teachers in agricultural education across the nation," she noted her announcement about the students who were chosen for the selective program.

For more information about he program, visit www.naae.org/profdevelopment/naptp.cfm.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing