Getting Started as a Extension Educator March 6, 2018 Martin Koon Program Leader Central Region David Perrin Region Director Eastern Region Tracey Sullivan Program Leader Western Region
Tennessee Extension - D One Extension Two Land Grant Universities University of Tennessee ,1862 Tennessee State University,1890
Comments Today - D County Agents Specialists
First Things First - T Relationships Extension County Ag Committee Region State ---- UT & TSU County Ag Committee County Government Officials Key Agri-businesses Key Farmers Farm Agencies
What To Do- T Identify important Ag Enterprises Economic value Numbers of farmers Where they are located Map of the county Knowledge of the county County history
What To Do- T Needs Assessment Explore, Ask Questions, Interviews, Statistical Data, Internet Searches Key Leaders Producers Government Agencies Agri-business Identify the local hang-outs Diversity
Experience- M Inventory your skills/experience What are you proficient in Identify deficiencies relative to county needs Work with county director, RPL to obtain professional development
Items to put in your Tool Box-M Volunteers Pesticide Safety Education Program Computer Software Microsoft Office SUPER Calendar Area Farm Management Specialists BQA certification Distance Diagnostics Consumer/homeowner People skills – customer service Publications & Manuals
People Skills-M Conflict --- demands Diversity Learning Styles Managing Volunteers Create/Maintain advisory groups Program Presentation / Scheduling Expert – respect & trust
Goals- D Component of Performance Appraisal) 1-3 goals Programming Personal Professional development Departments --- will vary
Planning-D All agents write Individual Annual Plan Basis for plan Needs assessment Input advisory groups Region will conduct training Due November 1 to region (County Directors may set earlier date) Also completes IAP for first year (Jan 1 to June 30 - Yes; after July 1- No Region offer guidance) Specialists --- In-service trainings, county visits, agri-business, publications
Professional Development-D In-service Training Specialists Regional New Agent Training Internet - Research Land Grant Institutions Mentor Program Training - UT & External Professional Associations Key producers in County
Office Procedures- T Communication Appreciate Deadlines Be accessible Office know your location 100% time Appreciate Deadlines Chain of Command Follow UTIA policies & procedures Volunteer screening
Office Procedures- T Risk Management Safety All volunteers marked in SUPER Volunteer levels designated Proper documentation completed and entered in SUPER for Volunteers Safety Minors Child Protection
Balance-M Work demands Training Family
Team Work-M Be a real part of your county staff Be part of your county & community Visible Recognize --- eyes always on you in community (on & off duty)
Committees & Teams- M Multi-county programming State assignments Regional assignments Chair assignments Working with Ag Research External Groups Leadership Teams Workgroups
Marketing-D Media – programs, interviews, elevator speech Social media Print Radio TV Signage Professional Material Correct Logos, Indicia (Marketing Toolkit) Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation Program Successes
Grants & Sponsorship-D Identify local sponsors Search for appropriate grants Online Specialists Partner organizations RPL Professional Associations Specialists should seek agent input where collaboration required
Program Delivery-D Professionalism Know Your Audience Diversity Dress for the occasion Name tag Business cards Flyers-- handouts Know Your Audience Diversity
Civil Rights-D Include underrepresented/minority audiences in needs assessment Market to this audience above the normal (special efforts) Advertisement Meeting Locations Documentation
Evaluation-M KASA Level Summarize PEN Surveys Interviews Comments Recommendation changes Practice adoption Benefits – economic, lifestyle, environment PEN Surveys Interviews Comments Observation
Recognition-M Volunteers Leaders Sponsors Government Officials
So What- M Report 100% of contacts Report – impact statements (annually) Outcomes Impacts Economic Quality of Life Environmental Safety Testimonials
Tie it all together - T Addressing local needs Strong relationships Part of the community Plan, deliver, evaluate and report Desire to make a difference Affect people lives Accountability
Questions ? -All