Message from your President
 Becky Wirkus, WAAE President
Agriculture & Natural Resources Instructor/FFA Advisor, Stratford School District
Inspired by You: "WAAE" to Get Involved
Congratulations! We have thrived through half of the school year already and are prepared to continue impacting the future! I am proud of the many members who are leaving a legacy for others in the organization through their active WAAE participation.
One glance around the Region III meeting at NAAE and I could not help but smile at the representation that Wisconsin had! We are movers and shakers, seeking to not only impact our students and communities, but help others from across the nation. Our members are serving as national committee chairs, instructing national workshops, participating in national professional development programs, and finding ways to improve our association. We play vital roles on the national level, but then come back and share those programs here in Wisconsin.
Did you have a chance to witness our leaders in action at Half-Time Conference? There were committee meetings in every corner of the hotel and some seasoned, sassy veterans sharing secrets. The synergy and proactive leadership of our members will be felt throughout the upcoming contests, at State FFA Convention, and during our PDC. What a precious gift that our members contribute – their time and energy to make a lasting impact! Thank you for all you contribute to the success of our organization. Continue to find ways to showcase your strengths and keep our organization growing!
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Summer Conference Registration Now Open
All details and online registration can be found at this link! Or log directly into your WAAE account here for easy registration.
- Join us in LaCrosse in 2019
- June 23-27 at the Radisson Hotel
- Enjoy the beauty of Western Wisconsin!
- Monday Schedule Change
- A walking lunch during Educational Expo (10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.)
- Opening Session to follow at 12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday Night Socials - Two New Events
- In addition to Golf and Bowling, a Board Painting and Cooking Class are available this year.
- Two highly anticipated keynote speakers
- Tom Thibodeau
- Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership, Viterbo University
- Monday Opening Session
- Erica Thieman
- Principal Consultant Agricultural Education at the Illinois State Board of Education
- Wednesday Luncheon and workshop offered Wednesday afternoon
- Expanded new teacher programming
- Two new workshops on Tuesday - one for first- and one for second-year instructors
- Registration deadlines - The earlier you register, the more options you'll have.
- May 1 - deadline for instructional kit - still $100, but greater value of materials this year thanks to larger Wisconsin FFA Foundation grant
- May 31 - deadline for workshops that have a required fee
- Reminder: Many times, Carl Perkins Funding can be used to pay for your PDC registration. Make sure to discuss this with the individual in charge of these funds at your school or CESA.
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Follow Along with WAAE in New Facebook Group
Go to this link to join the new WAAE Facebook Group. It's a private group where members can share updates, ask for help or resources, or connect in a more secure manner than the public organization page.
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WAAE Board Leaders Needed
Interested in serving on the WAAE Board? We are looking for dynamic leaders to serve the WAAE organization in a four-year term - two years as Alternate Vice President and then progressing to two years as Vice President. To read more about board responsibilities and opportunities, visit this link. Have more questions or interested in a board role? Contact President Becky Wirkus at Bewirkus@gapps.stratford.k12.wi.us
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Ninja Activity
A fun Friday night at the Wisconsin FFA Half-Time Conference in January brought early-career teachers and veteran WAAE members together through speed-dating style conversations. Throw in some candy and door  prizes, and a great time was had by all! New members were able to network, gain valuable teaching tips and learn more about the WAAE organization. Thank you to everyone who made this special event a success!
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Welcome New Project Assistant: Jen Bradley
Jen Bradley has agreed to join WAAE as a seasonal Project Assistant role to help with PDC planning, on-site PDC facilitation, and various other work. This will replace the spring intern we've had the past couple of years, and we'll still seek an on-site intern.
Jen brings a lot of skills, talents, and experience in our conference preparations. Jen will continue with her part-time role for the Wisconsin FFA Foundation, and also her CDE Facilitator position that she will fully take over responsibilities for next year. We are very pleased to have her join our WAAE efforts! Jen can be reached directly at jen@waae.com.
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CALENDAR
April 26: Board Meeting in conjunction with State CDEs, Madison
May 15: NAAE Award applications due
Find more application info here
June 17-19: Region III Conference (Mitchell, South Dakota)
Find more info here
June 23-27: PDC, La Crosse
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