Ag Teacher Talk

In Episode 18, we get to know Caleb Gamblin, Bangs ISD agriculture science teacher and Texas Association of School Administrators Teacher of the Year candidate. Learn about his journey into agricultural education, the students who have shaped his career, what makes teaching agriculture so unique, and hear about his Teacher of the Year journey. Teacher Talk is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spoti...

Meet Melvin! Episode 17 lets you get to know Mr. Pouncy as he steps into the role of ATAT Executive Director. Learn about his background, career in agricultural education, and hear his vision and goals for the association. We hope you end this episode excited for the future of ATAT and our profession. Teacher Talk is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and can be...

In Episode 16 of Ag Teacher Talk, we are joined by Seth Reeves to learn about the Fund for Teachers grant. An ag science teacher in Latta, Oklahoma, Reeves is the first AST to receive the Fund for Teachers grant, which has opened up several amazing opportunities for him and his students. Hear about Seth's self-designed professional development trip to discover sustainable, local agricultural...

Episode 15 of Ag Teacher Talk is an important update on New World Screwworm and it's potential impacts on ag education.  Joining us is Dr. Thomas Lansford, DVM, the Deputy Executive Director and Assistant State Veterinarian at Texas Animal Health Commission. Dr. Lansford answers common questions and may assuage some of your fears around this issue, including: What exactly is the New World Scr...

Episode 14 of Ag Teacher Talk is all about the National FFA Teacher Ambassador Program. In this episode, Michelle is joined by several of our Texas National FFA Teacher Ambassadors to discuss the ins and outs of the program.  Adrianna Segura, Tanner Smith, Macie Cheatham, and Kasey Naylor discuss topics including:  What are the goals of the National FFA Teacher Ambassador Program Experiences they&...

Episode Thirteen of Ag Teacher Talk is live! In this episode, Ray and Michelle are joined by Tanner Smith, AST at Arlington, to discuss the importance of and ways to get your career off on the right foot. While the focus may be on early career teachers, educators in any stretch of their career will find value in the practical examples Tanner gives and be motivated by his passion! Topics covered in...

When teachers have trouble, ATAT Executive Director Ray Pieniazek is the one who answers the call! In Episode 12, Ray and Michelle lead us through some practical strategies on how to advocate for yourself and your program, even under tense circumstances. Topics discussed include:  Practical Strategies for Effective Self-Advocacy Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them Common Fears and Concerns

In Episode Eleven, Tammy Christian returns to wrap up our two part series on Navigating Parent-Teacher Challenges. Dealing with parents can be one of the more tense or stressful parts of teaching ag- but it doesn't have to be! Topics covered include:  Common challenges with different types of parents Handling Confrontation and Conflict Knowing when to Involve Administrators, Counselors, and T...

In Episode Ten, Ray and Michelle are joined by Tammy Christian, retired ag teacher, to begin a two part series on Navigating Parent-Teacher Challenges. Dealing with parents can be one of the more tense or stressful parts of teaching ag- but it doesn't have to be! Topics covered include:  Common types of challenging parents to work with How to prepare for difficult conversations The importance...

In this episode, Ray and Michelle discuss the ins and outs of contracts. Contact questions have been some of the most frequently asked questions over the past month. They start by defining the purpose of your contract, how teacher contracts differ from other employment agreements, and key components to look for.  Other questions discussed include: What should you look for before signing your contr...

Episode Eight is the conclusion of our four part series "How To Do It All and Still Love It" with Jessica Reeves, agriculture teacher at Ingram.  Inspired by questions received at the end of the Women in Ag Roundtable at the 2024 ATAT Professional Development Conference, the final installment in the series is "Staying Healthy." Join us in discussing ways to take care of yoursel...

In Episode Seven, we continue our four part series "How To Do It All and Still Love It" with Jessica Reeves, agriculture teacher at Ingram.  Inspired by questions received at the end of the Women in Ag Roundtable at the 2024 ATAT Professional Development Conference, the third of four installments in the series is "Family Life." Join us in discussing how to balance a district&ap...

In Episode Six, we continue our four part series "How To Do It All and Still Love It" with Jessica Reeves, agriculture teacher at Ingram.  Inspired by questions received at the end of the Women in Ag Roundtable at the 2024 ATAT Professional Development Conference, the second installment in the series is "Boundaries." Join us in discussing why it is important to set boundaries,...

In Episode Five, we kick off our four part series "How To Do It All and Still Love It" with Jessica Reeves, agriculture teacher at Ingram.  Inspired by questions received at the end of the Women in Ag Roundtable at the 2024 ATAT Professional Development Conference, the first installment in the series is "Balance." How can you live the ag teacher life while still having a life?...

On Episode 4, Mr. Tom Maynard shares insights on what the State Board of Education is, what they can and can not do, how to build relationships with your SBOE member, and shares insights (and maybe even a secret!) along the way. Mr. Maynard is a past agriculture science teacher, SBOE member, and many of you will remember him from his tenure as the Executive Director of Texas FFA. Links mentioned: ...

In Episode Three, we welcome Nathan Jordan, agriculture teacher at Winnsboro, to discuss how to get teams to buy in, and how student commitment can give you a competitive edge.  Contest Contract can be found here: https://bit.ly/3ATd8C2

Earlier this month, ATAT asked our members "What piece of advice do you wish you could give yourself as a first year ag teacher?" We received great tips that could benefit teachers of all experience levels! David Laird, former ag teacher and current CTE Director of Waller ISD, joins this episode to share 10 items that all ag teachers should keep in mind this school year. 

Join the ATAT Staff and Mr. Jim Harris for Episode One of Ag Teacher Talk! Michelle Vasbinder, Ray Pieniazek, and Tori Rosser will introduce the podcast and give a brief overview of what ATAT is and upcoming events.  Jim Harris gives listeners a lesson in GRIT and how it can benefit your career- and life! You can find a copy of "Authentic Gravitas," recommended by Mr. Harris, here: https...