Story by Cassie Wandersee (master’s student)
The search for a permanent instructor in the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education continues. Until the search is completed, Robert “Buddy” McKendree, a current PhD student in curriculum and instruction in the College of Education, will serve as instructor. 
McKendree teaches AGED 505: Early Field Experience, a course for AGED students that enables them to gain experience in agriculture classrooms across the state. Students observe two different classrooms for a total of three full-day visits, observing all aspects of the AGED program model including classroom and lab Instruction, supervised agricultural Experiences, and FFA.
“I enjoy working with preservice teachers who are about to begin their careers as educators,” says McKendree. “Preservice teachers experience a tremendous amount of growth during their college course work while on their way to becoming educators, and I find it rewarding to be a part of that process.”
McKendree assists in AGED 500/520: Methods of Teaching Agriculture and AGED 400: Leadership and Professional Development in Agricultural Education on the subjects of selecting FFA officers, developing the local leadership continuum, and on teaching with your strengths.
“I take the mindset of helping students construct new knowledge that will enable them to be successful in their careers and in life,” says McKendree.
McKendree completed a master’s in agricultural education and communication in May 2015.
