LEAP is a web-based, teacher certification program in agricultural education offered through North Carolina State University. The program is available nationwide and is delivered through distance education technologies. LEAP is academically challenging and requires a serious commitment from those enrolled.

The program certifies individuals who have baccalaureate degrees in agriculture, natural resources and closely related disciplines to teach agriculture in school settings. The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the supply of qualified agricultural education teachers. There is a national shortage of agriculture teachers.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive a class "A" teaching license from the state of North Carolina. The North Carolina teaching license is recognized by 40+ states, Department of Defense schools, and the U.S. Territories. The teacher education program at North Carolina State University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Requirements

The LEAP program requires 21 semester hours. Specific course requirements are as follows:

AEE 500 - Agricultural Education, Schools and Society (3 hours). This course examines the role, mission, structure, and organization of agricultural education as it operates in the public school system. The University of Delaware aided in the development of this course. This course is usually taught every fall and may also be offered in the summer.

AEE 503 - Youth Organization Management (3 hours). One of the major responsibilities of the agricultural teacher is to develop the leadership potential of young people through the FFA program. This course teaches how to operate and manage the FFA program. University of Missouri faculty assisted in developing this course. This course will be taught every spring semester.

AEE 522 - Occupational Experience in Agriculture (3 hours). Experiential learning is a hallmark of agricultural education. Students in this course learn how to involve students in supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. Fort Valley State University was involved in the design of this course. This course is taught every fall semester.

AEE 535 - Teaching Agriculture in Secondary Schools (3 hours). Techniques for instructing students is the focal point of this course. Testing, grading, student management and other related topics are also covered. Faculty at the University of Arizona and Washington State University assisted in the development of this course. AEE 735 Effective Teaching in Agriculture and Life Sciences can be substituted. THIS IS ONE OF THE FIRST COURSES PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED TO TEACH AGRICULTURE SHOULD TAKE.

AEE 595E - Program Management in Agricultural Education (3 hours). Techniques and procedures for managing and operating the total agricultural education program. Emphasis on assessing community needs, curriculum planning and implementation, facility management, using advisory committees, summer programs, managing a budget, safety, liability, student recruitment and marketing, and adult education. This course will have a new number in the future - AEE 524.

AEE 641 Practicum in Agricultural and Extension Education (3 hours). Successfully complete a teaching internship under the direction and guidance of an experienced agricultural educator. Internships are available in every state and are supervised by NAAE (National Association of Agricultural Educators) recommended teachers. This course is available every semester.

Educational Psychology (3 hours). The student is to complete a course in educational psychology at a local university or through distance education from the university of the student's choice.

Other Requirements:

• Maintain a 2.5 GPA in all course work in the LEAP program. If the courses are to be applied toward a Master's degree, a 3.0 GPA is needed.