2025 NCE Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am CDT

Chief Careers: Agriculture for Every Ambition

Wednesday June 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

Science, Technology, Business, and Beyond—There’s a Place for You in Agriculture!

Discover how to bring career exploration to life in your classroom with Chief Careers! This engaging workshop introduces educators to an innovative career exploration initiative designed to connect middle school students with real-world opportunities in agriculture, business, science, technology, trades, and more.

Participants will explore the program’s eight career videos, ten dynamic lesson plans, and interactive classroom resources designed to align with National Career Clusters and career readiness standards.

Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, educators will learn how to implement these free, high-quality materials to help students identify their skills and interests while gaining insight into Nebraska’s vital agriculture-based industries. Join us to experience the Chief Careers resources firsthand and leave with practical strategies and your free curriculum toolbox to inspire your students’ career exploration journeys!

Speakers

Brooke (Tempel) Carpenter

Director of Education, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation

Brooke Tempel joined the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation in June 2018. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education-Teaching from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with minors in Agribusiness, Ag Economics, and Horticulture. Brooke is based in the... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Ruby 6

Agriculture Food and Natural Resources Human Sciences and Education (FCS)

9:00am CDT

Planting Seeds for Student Success

Wednesday June 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

Ruby 6

Greenhouses have always been a great place for hands-on learning, but with a few simple strategies, they can do even more—helping students develop skills, explore careers, and bring fresh ideas to the classroom. In this workshop, we’ll cover the essentials of running a successful school greenhouse and highlight the top five crops to grow. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing space, you’ll gain practical tools to evaluate your greenhouse, boost productivity, and incorporate food production into your curriculum. Join us as we explore how school greenhouses can honor tradition while embracing new possibilities.

Speakers

Kirstin Bailey

Farmer, NE-Leigh Farm

Kirstin Bailey is a Senior Project Associate, at the Center for Rural Affairs. Kirstin is an experienced farmer, beekeeper, and community advocate with over a decade of hands-on expertise in specialty crops and sustainable farming practices. Kirstin specializes in maximizing small... Read More →

Jenna Sutterfield

Local Foods Associate, Center for Rural Affairs, PO Box 136, Lyons, NE 68038

Jenna Sutterfield is a Local Foods Associate at the Center for Rural Affairs with a strong background in FFA and over four years of experience in project management and event planning for agricultural professionals in Nebraska. She actively supports farm-to-school initiatives across... Read More →

Tom Wheeldon

Tom Wheeldon has a passion for plants and greenhouse operations. Tom has 43 years of teaching Agriculture Education at Schuyler Central High School and The Career Academy, in Lincoln. Tom has 33 years of greenhouse operation and management. Tom’s experiences include bedding plant... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Ruby 6

Agriculture Food and Natural Resources Human Sciences and Education (FCS)