New Agent
Professional Development
www.ksre.k-state.edu/boardleadership
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Objectives
Board members will:
• Gain an overview of the professional
development process for new agents
• Learn the role of the local office and board
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Who are new agents?
• New college graduates to baby boomers
• Variety of degrees
• K-State and other universities
• Different experiences with Extension
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Partners in New Agent
Professional Development
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The Mentor
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Mentor Responsibilities
• Builds relationships
• Models professionalism
• Guides to resources and people
• Reinforces sessions on campus
• Is available
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Mentor Schedule
Days 1, 2 and 3
Days 4, 5
Week 2
Week 3*
Week 4
Week 5*
Months 3, 6, 9, 12
New Agent Orientation at K-State
New agent in local office
New agent in local office
New agent with mentor
New agent in local office
New agent with mentor
One to two days with mentor
*It is recommended that Weeks 3 and 5 begin Monday afternoon and
end Friday at noon to allow travel time.
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Colleagues in the
Local Office
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Colleagues
in the Local Office
• Board members
• Local unit director
• Other agents
• Office professionals
• PDC members
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Colleagues
in the Local Office
Acquaint new agent with local:
• People
• Programs
• Policies and procedures
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Local Office
Responsibilities
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Board Members’ Roles
• Giving a tour of the county or district
• Introducing agent to the community
• Sharing local customs, culture and history
• Hosting welcome event
• Scheduling initial PDC meeting
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Area Director and
Area Specialists
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Area Director and
Area Specialists
• Assign mentor
• Support in programming responsibilities
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Presenters for New Agent
Sessions at K-State
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Presenters for New Agent
Sessions at K-State
• Teach principles
• Practice skills
• Build relationships
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New Agent Sessions
at K-State
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Orientation
The Art of Extension
Foundations of Youth Development
4-H Program Management
Programming with a Purpose
Navigating Difference
Local Unit Director Basics
Orientation
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History
Role of an agent
Program planning and reporting
Personal and professional credibility
Effective meetings
The Art of Extension
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Personality styles
Volunteer development
Strategic partnerships
Cultural competency
Communication
Conflict management
Foundations of Youth Development
and 4-H Program Management
• Positive youth development
• Ages and stages of youth
• Professional development, leadership
and ethics
• Engaging volunteers
• 4-H delivery modes
• Finances and policies
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Programming with a Purpose
• Program development philosophy
• Developing an action plan
• Reaching underserved audiences
• Making an impact
• Evaluation
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Navigating Difference
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Cultural awareness
Cultural understanding
Cultural knowledge
Cultural interaction
Cultural sensitivity
Local Unit Director Basics
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Budget development
Personnel
Federal laws
Local office policies
Program development
New Agent
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New Agent
• Applies what has been learned
• Asks questions
• Seeks additional resources
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New Agent
Professional Development
Overview
www.ksre.k-state.edu/employee_resources/for_new_employees
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Board members play an important role in the
process of supporting new agents.
Thank you!
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