Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators

07/05/2026

Happy 4th!

07/03/2026

IAAE Mentor Teacher Award

The Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators is proud to announce Elsa Schmidt from Mid-Prairie High School as the outstanding Teacher Mentor for 2026. The IAAE Teacher Mentor Award Program is one initiative to address the teacher shortage issue. Statistics indicate that a large proportion of classroom teachers leave the teaching profession within their first five years of teaching. Beginning teachers are in desperate need of leadership and guidance during their induction years. If you ask agriculture teachers what motivated them to enter and stay in the teaching profession, predominately they will attribute their decision to another agriculture teacher who encouraged them. The IAAE Teacher Mentor Award was developed to recognize individuals who have answered the call to mentor fellow agricultural educators in our profession. Schmidt has earned this honor in 2026 for her work encouraging, guiding and leading fellow agriculture teachers. She was recognized at the IAAE Conference Banquet this past week.

Photo Caption: Mid-Prairie HS Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor Elsa Schmidt was recognized by the Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators (IAAE) this past week with the mentoring award. She was recognized by several of her mentees at the IAAE Banquet including Ethan Fetzer of WACO HS (former student of Renee Thompson), Lilly Clark of Wapello HS (former student of Ethan Fetzer), Renee Thompson of West Branch HS (former student of Elsa Schmidt), Alyssa Amelon of Clear Creek Amana HS (former student of Elsa Schmidt), Elsa Schmidt, Bridget Fisher of Easton Valley HS (former student of Elsa Schmidt), Amy Mosbey of Davis County HS (former student teacher of Elsa Schmidt), Brad Kinsinger, Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Hospitality Arts at Kirkwood CC (former student of Elsa Schmidt), and Noah Altenhofen of Central Lee HS (former student of Elsa Schmidt).

07/01/2026

We had a fantastic Summer Conference in Ankeny last week and we will be sharing awards, tenure and recognition over the next few days.

Thanks to everyone who helped plan, present and attend!

We know it will never be perfect, but we will try to make it a time for people to grow and fellowship and walk away more informed then when they came. If you have suggestions on how to make Summer Conference better- don't forget to take the post conference survey or reach out to the planning committee.

We hope you join us next year! In the meantime- catch a glimpse of what we did! As always- photos by Four Back Photography!

06/20/2026

Summer Conference is next week!

Not sure what the schedule is, need some help planning outfits, or want some ideas of what to pack? Maybe this can help!

If you registered- you should have received an email with this and some additional information.

06/19/2026

IAAE had a tiny but mighty contingency of educators at the NAAE Region III Conference. Thank you to South Dakota for being gracious hosts! Next up: Iowa's Summer Conference!

05/08/2026

The 2026 IAAE online merch store is live!

Tell your friends! Or better yet- buy something for your favorite Iowa Ag Educator!

Branded Show Gear Online Customer Ordering Stores