National Council for Agricultural Education

Meet SAE for All Specialist, Breanna Pastir.

City/State: Carrington, North Dakota

What career path led to your current role? I began my career as a middle & high school ag educator in North Dakota, where I developed a passion for helping students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Today, I serve as a Senior Educational Consultant with National FFA & SAE for All Program Specialist with The Council. In these roles, I partner with educators, teacher educators, state leaders, & industry partners across the country to strengthen SAEs, develop educational resources, & expand career-connected learning opportunities that prepare students for success in agriculture.

What’s a book or podcast that you would recommend? One book I frequently recommend is Teach Like a PIRATE by Dave Burgess. Its focus on passion, creativity, & student engagement has influenced the way I design lessons, workshops, & professional learning experiences. Outside of professional books, I’m an avid reader, & my TBR list is a mile long!.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? I’m currently pursuing my doctorate at North Dakota State University. Outside of work, I’m a big fan of escape rooms & will recruit just about anyone to join me whenever I get the chance!

What opportunities do you think today’s ag students should explore? No matter what career path students are interested in, I believe every ag student should have an SAE. Whether it’s starting a business, conducting research, gaining work experience, or serving their community, an SAE provides real-world experiences that help students develop confidence, strengthen workplace skills, explore career interests, and discover opportunities they may have never considered.

If you could go back & give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities that feel a little intimidating. Some of the most rewarding experiences in my career happened because I stepped outside my comfort zone. Every opportunity, relationship, & challenge helped shape where I am today, even when I couldn’t see the bigger picture at the time.

Meet Kevin Butt, PAS Rep. for The National Council for Agricultural Education

Job Title: Professor of Agriculture at Ellsworth Community College

City/State: Iowa Falls, Iowa

What career path led you to your current role? I graduated from Iowa State University with degrees in Ag Education and Animal Science. I started out as a sales rep in the animal health industry before I transitioned to the IT industry where I worked for about 10 years building computers, network infrastructure, and software development. During that time, I started adjuncting a few courses for Ellsworth and became full time instructor in 2004 and have never looked back.

What’s a book or podcast that you would recommend? Lately, I have been listening a lot to the Ag PhD which has been a great source of information for agronomy courses. I also listen to the Shark Farmer and the great stories of true ag advocates that he interviews.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? When I’m not teaching, I am actively farming with my dad and brother-in-law where we grow corn and soybeans and raise Angus cattle. Other interesting fact is I met my wife when I was on a study abroad program to Slovakia in 1993. I enjoying going back there about once a year and enjoying the culture and agriculture all around Europe.

What opportunities do you think today’s agriculture students should explore? At my college, the current ratio of open positions in agriculture to students is 5:1 which means there are 5 opportunities for every student and they can wherever they want to go. Personally, I see technology and precision ag industry with all the data, drones, robotics, and autonomous systems is where we see a lot of opportunities for students.

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be? There was a point in my college career where I decided to not pursue my teaching certificate because I didn’t think I could make it as an ag teacher. After I started teaching my first college class, I realized it was different than what I perceived in college and maybe wished that I stuck it out and got certified.

Meet John Bergin, CASE Curriculum Director.

City/State: Dover, KS

What career path led you to your current role? I taught Ag for 12 years in Kansas. During that time I implemented CASE curriculum before some part-time contracts leading to my current role.

What’s a book or podcast that you would recommend? The Six Types of Working Geniuses by Patrick Lencioni

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy canning produce from our home garden!

What opportunities do you think today’s agriculture students should explore? Students of all pathways should have some experiences with automation. These transferable skills will shape careers in ag, food, and energy systems.

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be? A good Ag program is the school and community’s program - not the teacher’s.

Meet Ben Lastly, NASAE rep. for The National Council for Agricultural Education:

Job Title: Georgia FFA Executive Secretary

City/State: Athens, GA

What career path led you to your current role? My entire career has been in agricultural education.

What’s a book or podcast that you would recommend? “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H. McRaven

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? Outside of FFA, I love college football, baseball, movies and deer hunting.

What opportunities do you think today’s agriculture students should explore? I encourage students to try any opportunity that 1) meets their interest or passion (animals, plants, research, etc) and 2) stretches their comfort zone. Do an event that makes you speak in front of other people; travel to a multiday event beyond your hometown; don’t just show up a meeting, volunteer to serve in a role or position.

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be? “This too shall pass.” When times are rough, pull yourself up, because this too shall pass. When you earn a bit of success and maybe you’re feeling like you’ve arrived, this too shall pass. Humility is always near, and can be a great opportunity for growth. Don’t look to reach one milestone and coast. Keep driving and watch the milestones (difficult and successful) pass; keep your eyes on the next one.

The National Council for Agricultural Education is seeking input from stakeholders across the country to help shape its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan. This is an important opportunity for agriculture educators, administrators, industry partners, and state leaders to share perspectives on current priorities, emerging needs, and future directions for agricultural education.

Your feedback will directly inform The Council’s work to strengthen programs, support educators and advance career-ready opportunities for students nationwide. We encourage all stakeholders to take a few minutes to complete the survey and contribute valuable insights that will guide the next phase of national leadership and collaboration in agricultural education. Complete the survey here: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Y8I8qwOSbSjWbI.

We’re pleased to announce that Allie Tucek joined The National Council for Agricultural Education as executive director on July 1.

A lifelong advocate for agricultural education, Tucek brings nearly two decades of experience supporting students, educators and industry stakeholders. She most recently served as director of alumni and supporters for the National FFA Organization, where she led national engagement efforts and strengthened partnerships across one of the country’s largest agricultural education networks.

Her career also includes roles as a career and technical education specialist for Tennessee FFA Association at the Tennessee Department of Education and as a classroom agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Station Camp High School, which have given her a deep understanding of the agricultural education system.

Tucek holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from UT Martin, a Master of Education from Union University, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from Indiana University Indianapolis.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead The Council and to serve a community that has shaped my career in so many meaningful ways,” Tucek said. “I look forward to working with our partners to support agricultural educators and expand opportunities for students nationwide.”

Please join us in welcoming Allie to The Council. She looks forward to connecting with agricultural education partners nationwide.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from The Council!

This week, we celebrate the agriculture educators who make a lasting impact every day! From secondary classrooms to adult education, thank you for the countless hours spent mentoring, developing leaders, strengthening communities, and preparing students of all ages for today’s agriculture industry and future generations of agriculture professionals. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to agriculture education do not go unnoticed. We are grateful for all that you do to inspire lifelong learning and growth across the agricultural education profession!

Tag an agriculture educator who has made a difference in your life!

Meet Dr. Robert "Bobby" Torres, The former President of The Council!

With nearly 40 years in agricultural education, Dr. Torres currently serves as Associate Dean & Director of Academic Programs at ACES/NMSU.

Inspired by his college faculty advisor, he has dedicated his career to advancing ag education. Over his 5 years on The Council, he’s focused on providing momentum, structure, and service to support the profession.

We appreciate his continued leadership and lasting impact!

Meet Heather Eberlin, our NAAE Postsecondary Representative!
With 19 years in agricultural education and currently serving as a Professional Development Specialist for Missouri Ag Ed, Heather brings a wealth of experience to The Council. Inspired by her own high school ag teacher, she chose a career in agricultural education and is now in her third year serving on The Council.