Collaboration as a Tool to Improve Career and Technical Education: A Qualitative Study of Successful Collaboration among Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers

Collaboration among Extension agents and agricultural science teachers has the potential to increase the reach of both organizations to serve clientele in obtaining critical skills and knowledge important to Career and Technical Education. However, successful collaboration requires that barriers be minimized and aspects of facilitation be maximized. This paper sought to document best practices of collaboration among agents and teachers across [state]. Study findings revealed that both agricultural science teachers and Extension agents see value in collaborating with one another. Barriers to collaboration included lack of time to collaborate, the number of schools in a county, the size of the county compared to the location of schools, and negative personal views toward individuals (competition). Recommendations for establishing successful collaboration have been provided.