To Serve and Protect through an SAE

An Agricultural Education program consists of three core components. One being classroom instruction, the second being FFA, and the third component is SAE. A Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is a program that allows students to complete projects or participate in a hobby that interest them and has a way for them to apply the skills and knowledge they are learning in their agricultural classes. This application of classroom knowledge is essential in which it conveys the importance of applying skills and knowledge to real world situations beyond the classroom walls. There are four different types of SAE's. Entrepreneurship which is an experience in which a student can own and operate his or her own business. Placement is an experience in which a student works for someone else or volunteers his or her time all while gaining experience or knowledge in a field of their interest. Agriscience Research and Experimentation consists of conducting research and analyzing a topic of interest. And Exploratory is an experience in which a student may 'explore' an agricultural topic of interest for a short time period.

Why should student complete and SAE project?

SAE provides many opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and reap the many benefits of experiential learning. Students are required to keep records on their SAE project, and with these records students may apply for scholarship and awards through the FFA. For more information on SAE's and their importance please visit http://exploresae.com/resources.aspx.

As a future agricultural educator, it will be my responsibility to supervise my students with their SAE projects. This summer, I got a glimpse of supervising SAE's, as I joined my cooperating teacher on two SAE visits.

Our first visit did not take us to a farm, or a farmers market, rather on July 16th, my cooperating teacher and I ended up at the Eureka Volunteer Fire Department Carnival. At the Carnival we met our student Josh who has an SAE on his volunteerism with the Eureka Fire Department.

Josh who is a senior now, began his SAE project when he was in 10th grade. Throughout his experience he has gained knowledge and skills in regards to being a first responder. Josh has completed his CPR training and is currently working on his EMT training.

Additionally, Josh spends most afternoons volunteering his time at the department. He can be found riding in the firetruck during calls. Through this SAE Josh is serving his community with safety as well as participating in community events that the fire department holds.

Going forward with is SAE, Josh will be applying for a Proficiency Award through the FFA as well as continuing to grow as a firefighter and difference maker.

This was an awesome experience for me to be a part of! I thoroughly enjoy seeing students strive for success in every aspect of life. As an educator, it makes me proud to see students serving their community in great ways.

~Jenna

"Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it." - Anonymous