Retaining quality experienced teachers is important to the future of agricultural education. In 2013, NAAE developed XLR8 — the eXcellence in Leadership for Retention professional development program — to meet the needs of mid-career agriculture teachers.

XLR8 is a year-long professional development program that targets agriculture teachers in their 7th-15th year of teaching.

The overall goals of this program include:

• develop experienced teacher leaders who will mentor other teachers in the profession;
• provide mid-career level specific professional development to participants;
• as well as increase overall longevity and satisfaction of participants with their chosen career of teaching agriculture.  

The XLR8 program includes participation in an intensive professional development experience (multiple sessions) during the NAAE convention, recurring virtual learning experiences, and online collaboration using the NAAE professional learning community, Communities of Practice, as well as other social media tools.

Click here for more information and to apply.