Through a range of coursework, I work to support pre-service teachers in their skill development, including curriculum, program planning, laboratory practices and the necessary background and skills to step into a formal or non-formal setting as an agricultural educator. I focus my program efforts on the recruitment and retention of agricultural educators. Through Cooperating Teacher preparation and support, I hope to build a stronger capacity for cooperating teachers to mentor student teachers and help catapult them into the profession as an agricultural educator. I also work as the Ag Ed Institute Program Coordinator, supporting late high school and early college aged students with a seamless trajectory into the UF/AEC program in preparation for their role as ag educators.