Purpose of Maine Agriculture & Natural Resources Education Specialist:

Maine Department of Education position mandated by Maine State Legislature in order to support Agricultural Education in the state:

To promote agricultural understanding (or "literacy") among students K-12, and among other students and adults, to enable appreciation of modern agriculture (including natural resource management, farming, forestry, aquaculture, and other areas), as well as its historical role in Maine heritage;

To expand the use of agricultural themes and activities for K-12 students as a practical, hands-on means to achieve Maine's Learning Results in all content areas;

To foster awareness among K-12 students, teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors of the range of career opportunities available in agriculture:

To provide support and to act as a liaison among specific private and public agencies, organizations, and industries related to agriculture.

Note: The Agriculture and Natural Resource Education Specialist serves as the State Advisor to the Maine FFA Association as a Board member to the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Association, the Coordinator of Maine's Math-in-CTE Program, and the Northern Aroostook Career & Technical Education School Liaison.

For further information, please contact:

	Doug Robertson, Education Specialist
	Agriculture & Natural Resources
	Maine Department of Education
	23 State House Station
	Augusta, Maine 04333
	Telephone: (207) 624-6744
	doug.robertson@maine.gov