NYAAE Committees 2021-2022

To view previous NYAAE Committee Reports, click here.

To view NYAAE Committee list, click here.

Legal/Ethics:

The goal of this committee is to ensure that NYAAE is operating effectively and accurately for the betterment of the organization and its members. Purpose Statement: Ensure that the NYAAE are operating ethically and protecting themselves legally.

Goals:

  • Volunteer forms

  • Conflict of interest statements

  • Standards of services and conduct

  • Liability/event insurance

  • Inclusion and Diversity

    Committee Chair- Crystal Aukema, aukemac@marathonschools.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Terry Hughes, thughes@cornell.edu

Professional Development:

The committee will be engaged in defining model professional standards, publishing and promoting these standards, attracting and engaging diverse individuals in professional activities, and recruiting, educating, supporting, and providing transition services for new educators. Purpose Statement: Provide professional development to NYAAE members that are relevant to their curriculum, program, and professional responsibilities.

Goals:

  • Develop Rigorous and Relevant PD workshop offerings

  • Plan annual June Conference meeting and in-service

  • New teacher development & mentoring

  • Summer PD during Oswegatchie Educational Center weeks

  • Assist in planning PD at 212/360, virtual PD offerings, and others as needed by the membership throughout the year.

  • STAR Committee (Postsecondary and other stakeholders invited to STAR meetings)

  • NYAAE Banquet Planning

    • Professional recognition & awards (President-elect facilitates application process)

    • Review awards policy

    • Create and implement awards recognition program and podium book

    Committee Chair- Mandi Millen, mmillen@caz.cnyric.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Catie Rowe

NYAAE Public Relations:

The Public Relations Committee will identify proactive strategies to be used to effectively communicate to the public, agricultural education professionals and NYAAE members about the role, benefits and value of the NYAAE organization and agricultural education. Purpose Statement:  Showcase and highlight achievements for NYAAE and Ag Ed.

Goals:

  • Develop plan/strategy for showcasing association

  • Further develop relationships with other CTE Associations

  • Highlight achievements for Ag Education

    Committee Chair- Mary-Elizabeth Foote, footem@schuylerville.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Catie Rowe, Cmr323@cornell.edu

NYAAE Diversity & Inclusion:

NYAAE remains steadfast in our commitment to civil discourse, reasoned thought, sustained discussion, and constructive engagement without degrading, abusing, harassing, or silencing any. This committee will be working with both NYAAE and NYS FFA in order to have uniformity for our teachers and students. Purpose Statement: The choice to create a just and equitable organization is not accidental, but intentional. In order for our plans to move forward, we will have to work together as an organization. We strive to equip teachers with the skill sets to lead student conversations in the realm of diversity and inclusion.

Goals:

  • Develop a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Statement for our organizations 

  • Explore professional development and trainings for staff, board members, teachers, and state officers surrounding diversity and inclusion

  • Engage our teachers through social media in robust monthly “chats”/Zoom discussions on topics related to diversity and inclusion led by the committee chairs

In order to address the above points, we are planning and executing the following initiatives surrounding topics of diversity, inclusion, and equity:

  • Critical Conversations on Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity

  • We will continue to host discussions, in a safe space, for our membership.

  • Virtual Diversity & Inclusion Resources

  • The NYAAE website will provide digital resources for self-study purposes as well as curricular resources for classroom use.

  • Diversity Training for NYAAE Membership and Executive Council

In conjunction with the Professional Development Committee and Agricultural Education Outreach, we are creating continual PD opportunities for educators.

  • New Teacher Online Support Platform

  • This non-judgmental platform supports teachers from pre-service to year 5, guided by our mentors, who provide tools and professional practices.

  • Collegiate Campaign

  • Expand the NYAAE and Agriculture Education presence at colleges throughout the state in order to increase the diversity of our membership and promote scholarship opportunities.

    Committee Chair- Chloe Fuentes, Cfuentes6@schools.nyc.gov; Jeff Parnapy, jparnapy@bbschools.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Terry Hughes

NYAAE Constitution/Bylaws:

This committee will strive to keep the constitution and bylaws current and timely for our organization and membership. The committee will keep in mind fairness and ethical treatment to all members and associations. Purpose Statement:  Review constitutions and bylaws for NYAAE and the NYSFFA on an annual basis.

Goals:

  • Make recommendations for revisions to constitution and bylaws

  • Review the NYAAE policy book and recommend changes to student and teacher boards

    Committee Chair- Diane Lewis, lewisd@greenvillecsd.org; Erin Smith, esmith@stockbridgevalley.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Terry Hughes

Legislative: The goals and objectives of the Public Policy Committee is to identify key public policy issues at the State and National level and suggest ways for the NYAAE to more effectively advocate for issues related to and having influence on agricultural education. Purpose Statement:  Monitor and influence local, state, and national policies and state budget initiatives that impact agricultural education on behalf of NYAAE, FFA, and AITC.

Goals: 

  • Develop a plan for legislative efforts on state and national levels

  • Review policy books for CAO and FB and propose revisions as necessary through resolution process

  • Monitor and influence ACTE/NYSACTE efforts relating to Ag Ed and CTE

  • Assist state staff in planning of Ag Ed Day (SLE) in Albany

  • Coordinate letter writing campaign to address current issues

  • Encourage individual legislative activities / visits.

  • Coordinate advocacy efforts with CAL, New York Farm Bureau, and CAO

    Committee Chair- Betsy Foote, efoote@greenwichcsd.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Shari Lighthall, slighthall@cornell.edu

NYAAE Finance:

The mission of the Finance Committee is to ensure that the NYAAE has an accountable monetary policy and a stable financial future. Purpose Statement:  Develop the financial future of NYAAE. Set priorities for annual budget.

Goals:

  • Work with foundations regarding investment accounts

  • Work with State staff to develop a budget for the NYAAE

  • Work with state staff to evaluate our financial services agency fees and paid services

    Committee Chair- Todd Eick, teick@medinacsd.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Shari Lighthall

NYAAE Membership:

The goals and objectives of the Membership committee are to promote valuable programs and services that promote research, management, and curriculum for members in their service areas. Purpose statement:  Educate new agriculture teachers about the importance of being a NYAAE member and retain the membership of current ag teachers.

Goals:

  • Encourage ag programs and schools to replace retiring teachers.

  • Recruit & retain members who did not attend conference

  • Work to get new members to attend conference

  • New Membership – work in conjunction with adhoc Star Committee

  • Young Ag Teacher Support Initiative

  • Teach Ag Campaign

  • Pair new teachers with mentors

    Committee Chair- Amy Maxwell, AMaxwell@salemcsd.org; Jen Phelps, Jphelps@carthagecsd.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Catie Rowe

NYAAE Nominating:

The goals of the nominating committee is to find teachers who are willing and able to serve the NYAAE through a position on the executive council. Purpose Statement:  Recruit NYAAE members to serve as officers.

Goals:

  • Find teachers to fill empty seats when they become available.

    Committee Chair- Tara Berescik, taraberescik@trivalleycsd.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Catie Rowe

NYAAE State Fair: Is a committee that meets regularly to consider how to consistently grow and develop the FFA’s presence at the NYS State Fair. Purpose Statement: Showcase and highlight achievements for NYAAE and Ag Education.

Goals:

  • Establish NYS FFA as a main attraction at the Fair

  • Increase public awareness of New York FFA

  • Promote Agricultural Education opportunities to local schools

    Committee Chair- Tara Berescik, taraberescik@trivalleycsd.org

    Staff Liaison Contact- Terry Hughes

Strategic Planning:

The goals and objectives of the Strategic Planning Committee are to review and revise the strategic plan and to set the direction of NYAAE covering the profession, its mission, and the organization.

Committee Chair- Renee Johnson, rjohnson@oxac.org

Staff Liaison Contact- Shari Lighthall