Professional Development & Mentor Programs
Both professional development and mentorship are important in retaining educators. MAELC invests in agricultural educator mentor programs at the secondary, post secondary, and Farm Business Management levels.
Teacher Induction Program (TIP)
The Minnesota Teacher Induction Program (TIP) serves as a professional learning community for new agriculture teachers, providing a positive influence in their development, efficacy, success, and retention. Participants are supported by senior mentors, Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE) regional mentors, and TIP staff. The TIP program has proven very successful, with an 93% retention rate between year one and year two of teaching.
For more information about TIP, visit their website or contact Dr. Amy Smith
Post-Secondary Instructor Mentoring (PIM)
The Post-Secondary Instructor Mentoring (PIM) program supports new college faculty as they transition from industry or secondary education careers to Higher Education. The purpose of PIM is to provide professional development opportunities and to improve the retention and effectiveness of new college faculty involved in teaching agriculture career pathways in Minnesota.
For more information about PIM, contact Kari Slinden
Professional Excellence Program (PEP)
The Professional Excellence Program (PEP) provides professional development for Minnesota's entry-level Farm Business Management (FBM) instructors during their first three years in the profession. As part of the program, participants develop technical knowledge and skills pertaining to Farm Business Management, including instructional and curricula design skills and program management.
For more information about PEP, contact Betsy Jensen or Keith Olander