Swedzinski urges teacher candidates to apply for ag education internships

State Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent) encourages college students from the area who may be considering teaching careers to apply for paid agricultural education internships available the summer of 2021.
The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council facilitates its Agricultural Education Internship to "spark an interest in current undergraduate students to consider entering the teacher profession and to provide Agricultural Education students hands-on experience in this exciting career.
"The [internship] experience will focus on summer programing, such as Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) visits, county fairs, and FFA leadership retreats. At this time, the experience will be in-person, however, may be adjusted to virtual/hybrid depending on future COVID safety requirements."
Swedzinski, a farmer by trade, helped initiate agricultural education programs Southwest Minnesota State University and others launched a few years ago to help meet growing demand.
"Agriculture is a crucial part of our rural economy and whatever tools that we can put in place to help advance education, advance agriculture and advance agri-business really need to be on the table," Swedzinski said. "These internships will really get the foot in the door for young people so they can advance their careers and advance opportunities in ag education."
MAELC indicates the internship is intended for agricultural education majors, however, students in other majors who are interested in pursuing teacher licensure will also be considered. Current freshmen, sophomores or juniors from any institution should apply; however, priority will be given to those with the intent to teach in Minnesota. Internships may begin as soon as May 10, 2021 and end as late as August 13, 2021. Interns receive a $3,750 salary.
Candidates must provide a cover letter, resume, application, and a copy of an unofficial transcript by Nov. 9 to Kari Schwab at opdah012@umn.edu. The selection committee will review applications and select individuals for interviews.
For more information or questions, contact Schwab at the previously listed email address, call (612) 624-6256 or visit www.mn.gov/maelc.