Agricultural Teacher Education Functions Can Be Delivered More Effectively Through A Department Of Vocational Education

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to advocate the position that agricultural teacher education functions can be delivered more effectively though a department of agricultural and extension education than a department of vocational education. Both authors are faculty members in such departments and this article is based upon our professional experiences both in an out of such departments. Our purpose is to present a rationale for departments of agricultural and extension education, discuss relevant issues, and stimulate reflective thinking. However, before we examine the relationship of a delivery system to the effectiveness of teacher education, we should re-examine the mission of teacher education in agriculture since organizational structure promulgates a climate which affects the execution of missions.