What Will Your State Do?
Yesterday, the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Educators (TAAE) formally expressed a loss of confidence in the current direction and leadership of the National FFA Organization. Read the full letter on behalf of educators in one the largest state FFA associations in the nation here.
This is not routine—and it should not be ignored.
The concerns outlined are not abstract. They reflect what many educators are seeing in real time:
- A shift away from FFA’s core mission of agricultural education
- Inconsistent leadership decisions and expectations for students
- Questions around fairness, transparency, and governance
- Growing external scrutiny at the state and federal level
- A direct impact on classroom credibility, student participation, and community trust
As the letter makes clear, this is coming from those closest to the work—ag teachers in classrooms every day. And they are saying the current direction is no longer aligned with the mission.
This is not just a Tennessee issue.
If you are an agricultural educator, this is your moment to decide whether your voice will be part of the conversation—or absent from it.
Here’s the reality:
- Governance only changes when educators engage—not when they observe
- National direction is shaped by whether states speak up—or stay silent
- Silence will be interpreted as agreement
Now is the time for action:
- Talk with your state ag teachers association leadership
- Ask where your state stands on these issues
- Request discussion at upcoming meetings or conferences
- Encourage your association to formally communicate with the National FFA Board. The complete list of Natonal FFA Board members is included below.
- Share your perspective—professionally, clearly, and on the record
Whether you agree with Tennessee or not, one thing is clear:
Ag teachers across the country must be heard.
The future direction of FFA—and its connection to agricultural education—will be shaped by what happens next.