The Agricultural Mechanics Academy

Agricultural Education teachers across the nation lack sufficient training in agricultural mechanics due to a lack of training available at the post-secondary level. The lack of training has led to low teacher self-efficacy and is a contributing factor to why teachers leave the profession. Furthermore, there is a significant shortage of skilled labor to fill industry demand.

Industry leaders have identified agricultural education students as a source to fill the shortage but need rigorous and relevant instruction from their teachers. The Agricultural Mechanics Academy is a ten-day intensive professional development training designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach secondary students. Participants will receive three days of small gas engine instruction focusing on twelve modules. Each module is designed for teachers to replicate each discussion and activity in their own classrooms.

The electricity portion of the Academy will lead participants through several modules including Safety, Electrical Tools, Electrical Connections, and Switches & Receptacle Identification. The welding portion of the Academy will guide participants through three welding processes. The participants will learn how to use an Oxyacetylene torch that includes cutting, heating, and welding options. The participants will learn how to weld using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process where they will complete a butt, tee, and lap welds in the flat position using different techniques and different welding rods.

On the third day of welding, the participants will learn how to weld using the Gas Metal Arc welding process using different techniques and different metal transfer processes. Contact Dr. Ryan Anderson for more information, r_a461@txstate.edu.