craigdailypress.com

Craig — By MICHELLE PERRY

Daily Press writer

For several years, John Haddan and Rick Murr have attended the annual Colorado Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association summer conference.

The Moffat County High School agriculture teachers said the conference allows them to hear what's new in the ag education system and to learn from other instructors.

"It's just a place for the ag teachers to get updated on curriculum and ways to improve your program, in the class and for FFA," Haddan said.

More than 80 Colorado teachers attended the conference, which ran from July 9 to 12 at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

While at the conference, Haddan was named to the national review committee for new animal science standards being developed for the National FFA Organization. He will work with educators from other states to develop the curriculum during the next year.

Haddan already has worked with a team of 10 ag teachers to create a new ag business curriculum for Colorado, which was presented at last week's conference.

"Every lesson has an accompanying power point presentation," Haddan said. "Every lesson includes the most up-to-date style of teaching that is available."

Murr said curriculums developed and presented at the annual conference are beneficial to him in the classroom. He now uses the animal science program every other year in his classroom.

New association officers also were installed at the conference, including Crandal Mergelman of Rangely who was installed as president.

Michelle Perry can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 213, or mperry@craigdailypress.com.