New Teacher Survivor Series

Part #12 - You say you don't have any students or the right students?

Introduction:  Is your program filled with the students you want?   Do your students beat the doors down to get in every morning?  Do you have to run students off after school so you can go on visits; or, does your administration complain about your low numbers?  If you are having problems with low enrollment or with students not wanting to participate in activities, then maybe you need to take charge.  Nine times out of ten, (there are exceptions) programs with low enrollment and inactive students have no recruitment plan or recruitment activities.  These teachers take whomever the counselor sends them.  Most of the time they "hope" the good kids will come over to the program.  So, if you see yourself in this picture, keep reading.

1.      Rule number #1.  It is your responsibility to recruit students.  Do not rely on the counselor, principal, superintendent, or other students to bring in new enrollment. If your program has success the above will assist you with recruitment; however, never rely on them.

2.      Recruitment begins with being seen in and around school.  Very few students will enroll in an elective where they do not know the teacher.  Being seen should include attending sporting events and other school activities.  Some of your students are probably participating.

3.      Recruitment should also include recruiting letters and visits.  Think of yourself as a college recruiter.  If you want the students who can excel, you should go after them.  Don't forget school board member's and administrator's children.  Fellow teacher's children are also good to have in the program.

4.      You might think that this is against all we in Agricultural Education are about.  That could be farther from the truth.  Our program serves all students who are interested.  We have students who are strong in Ag Power and Tech, Horticulture, Public Speaking and many other areas.  However, with graduation requirements increasing in number, and pressure on counselors to have every student eligible to enter OU, OSU, or any other major university, students are not being given the opportunity to enroll in Ag Ed.  So how do you get them?  Recruit!!!

5.      Mr. Kent Boggs, Oklahoma FFA Executive Secretary, says that a program should mirror the school population.  The Ag program should have valedictorians, salutatorians, baseball players, football players, cheerleaders, band members, male and female members, among others.  It is important that the program is a part of the school not just a separate novelty.  Recruiting all students will make this a reality.

6.      The summer is a great time to recruit students for the next school year.  Yes, they have probably pre-enrolled in other courses. However, a personal visit could persuade them differently.  You have a pickup and are on a 12-month contract.  What could be better than that?  When you visit, have some information ready to give them.  This could be a brochure from the State Office or National FFA or it could be information you put together yourself to explain the program.  It could also be a combination or both. Be ready to explain how you think they can be a plus for the chapter and that there are many opportunities available to them, including awards and college scholarships.

7.      During recruitment visits ask if they have any questions or concerns.  You should be prepared to answer questions about H.S. graduation and college entrance requirements.  You should also point out that students do not have to have a livestock project as their SAE.  There are other SAE projects.

8.      Parents are sometimes very protective of their children.  They usually have a pre-determined destiny developed for their child.  Most of the time this does not include becoming a farmer; which, is the perception most have toward Ag Ed.  This is where recruitment, information, and personal attention can make the difference.  If you understand that "all" parents want their kids to become doctors, lawyers, and attend college, you can develop your materials to fit these parents. 

9.      However, recruitment cannot be one-dimensional or have only one message.  Don't forget that some are enrolling in Ag Ed because they want that hands-on learning.  They want welding and show barrows.  They want to go to the steer and heifer shows every weekend.  They want to travel around the state looking for the right lamb or goat.  If you are recruiting these students, have that material along for them.

10.    There are other ways to recruit students for the program.  A. You can set up displays during pre-enrollment times.   B. You can organize a booth for students to come by and ask questions of other members or yourself.  C. You can visit the 7^th or 8^th grade classes and present information pertaining to your program.  The key is to sell the program and yourself.  Students get into programs because they like the teacher and it sounds like there is something in it for them.

11.   Do not promise students and parents things you cannot deliver.  Don’t paint a picture that does not represent your program.  You must sell what you plan to do.  One sure way to lose enrollment is to promise one thing and the students find out you do another once they attend class.

12.    When recruiting students let them know that you expect their best.  Don't come across as if your class is a cakewalk.  No one wants to be a part of a program that is too easy.  Let them know that there are many opportunities.  It will be rewarding, but you have high expectations.

13.   Recognition and the appearance of success are vital to recruitment.  Students want to know that there are opportunities to succeed and excel.  Arrange for a trophy and/or awards area in the High School.  Make sure it draws attention to your program.

14.    Recruitment materials should be available at all times.  Keep brochures, pamphlets, course syllabi, and course descriptions available for requests. 

15.    Give your recruitment information, pamphlets, and brochures to the counselors.  Visit them time-to-time to make sure they have a supply.

16.   Make an appointment to visit with the counselor to explain what you are doing in the program and what is available to students.  Be sure and give him/her a copy of your course descriptions. Also, go over your syllabi with them.  This could be vital in regard to giving science credit for recommended courses listed in HB2728.

17.    Inform your principal in the same manner as the counselor.  If the principal and counselor feel comfortable with what you are doing and they understand the opportunities you offer the students, they will be more willing to recommend your class to students you have recruited. In addition, they may even begin encouraging  students to enroll.  Remember, they will not recommend a course they know nothing about.

18.   Put articles in the paper describing what the Agricultural Education program and FFA are about.  Mention in the article the opportunities both in awards and academics. 

19.    Recruiting also extends to school projects and school involvement.  This could mean that you help the student council with the set-up duties of an event.  You might assist the local civic club with an activity.  It might be as simple as helping the baseball coach build a backstop.  Any project is a good one if others are seeing your students do "things".

Final Words:  Recruiting to build a program is a must.  You cannot let others dictate who and who doesn't enroll in your program.  It is up to you.  However, keep in mind that recruiting is a two edged sword.  For, if you promise great things, you must be able to deliver.  As you begin to increase your enrollment and FFA membership with students you have recruited, you will then see that those students will draw in their friends to the program.  But don't let that make you quit recruiting.  If you do, you will be back in the same position you were in at the start.

Good Luck and good recruiting.