Major projects accomplished this year

• The main focus of our AITC program is educator training. In 2005, we had 19 scheduled workshops for the fall. However, due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita we were only able to conduct 5 of the 19 workshops. All lessons presented at the workshops are correlated to the Louisiana Department of Education Frameworks. Lessons presented included poultry, soybeans, Agriculture and the Environment and Make-and-Takes. 193 educators attended the workshops in 2005. These educators have a direct impact on nearly 7,000 students. Educators that attend a workshop are presented a certificate to use in their continuing education portfolio.
  In July we also hosted Farm Camp. Farm Camp was a four-day event for teachers and students. Ten teachers were selected to attend and to bring two students each. Farm Camp was a joint project with
  the LSU AgCenter.
• We continue with our Outstanding Ag in the Classroom Teacher award program.
• In 2004, we began our Boasting Bulletin Board contest. Teachers can submit a color photo and description of a bulletin board they or their class has done for the chance to win cash prizes.

Major impacts the program had this year

• The major impacts to our program this year were Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. From August throught the rest of the year everything that was a known before the storms had changed. Schools in the entire state were affected. Students from all of south Louisiana were displaced and teachers had to adapt quickly.
• Currently we are handling requests from teachers to replace materials that they have lost. It is too early to say a final count.
• In many cases it was not possible to reschedule any of the workshops. Teachers are dealing with extended school days to make up for time missed and additional students. We plan on resuming with our teacher workshops in the fall of 2006.