Mary Hoffmann attended the annual Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE) Conference in Hinckley, Minnesota July 8-11, 2025.
The four day professional development conference in Hinckley was attended by over 200 Agricultural Instructors from across the state of Minnesota and included teachers at the high school, post-secondary, and farm business management levels.
While at the conference, teachers attended many different professional development workshops, region meetings, and received updates from the Minnesota Department of Education, National FFA, and many others.
During the MAAE Banquet, Hoffmann received the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE) Outstanding Service Award. This award recognizes experienced agricultural educators who have made significant contributions to agricultural education by supporting teachers and students on the local, state, region, and/or national level. Hoffmann was selected as the winner of this award through her efforts in many different areas including: local Ag. and FFA program, contributions to other agricultural educators, involvement in professional organizations (committee work, board positions, presenting workshops, serving on panel discussions, etc.), and her ongoing leadership in the profession.
Hoffmann also received her 30 Year Service Award due to her years of teaching and membership in MAAE. Two former students of Hoffmann also received awards. Harley Braun teaches agriculture at St. Paul Highland Park and received her 5 year pin. Elizabeth Rupp earned her 10 year award and teaches at Tracy Area Schools. “It is definitely an honor to have former students go into the same profession and to see them excelling in their programs is amazing!” Hoffmann states. McKenzie Wagelie is also a former student teaching agriculture at GHEC High School.
The Sleepy Eye Ag. Teachers also attended the conference including: Katie Emmett, Paul Hendrickx, Alyssa Mitchell, and summer intern, Meta Tewes.