KDE Employee Spotlight: Agricultural Education Consultant Matt Chaliff. "Whether this is state officers of random members who I meet when they are younger and get to track over three or four years, I am amazed at the growth in ability that takes place in these young people."

  • As an agricultural education consultant, Matt Chaliff provides leadership and support for about 280 local teachers of agriculture who are impacting students on the local level.
  • Chaliff serves as the executive secretary for the Kentucky FFA Association, where he was selected as the Outstanding FFA Executive Secretary by the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education.

By Jacob Perkins
Jacob.perkins@education.ky.gov

For the past 15 years, Matt Chaliff has served as a program consultant for agricultural education at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). He says that the most rewarding aspect of his tenure has been seeing students grow and develop through their experiences in FFA.

“Whether this is state officers or random members who I meet when they are younger and get to track over three or four years, I am amazed at the growth in ability that takes place in these young people,” he said.

As an agricultural education consultant, Chaliff provides leadership and support for about 280 local teachers of agriculture who are impacting students on the local level.

“These folks are doing the most important work and I see my job as ensuring that these teachers have the tools, resources and information that they need to do their jobs,” he said.

Chaliff serves as the executive secretary for the Kentucky FFA Association where he was selected as the Outstanding FFA Executive Secretary by the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education.

The recognition is given annually to an individual who has made a significant impact as a state-level leader in agricultural education.

As the state’s FFA executive secretary, where he manages the day-to-day operations of the Kentucky FFA Association, he is responsible for coordinating all competitive events, leadership conferences and the annual state convention.

Prior to coming to KDE, Chaliff taught agriculture at Taylor County High School. He and his wife Julie live in Mount Vernon and have two children, Anna Grace and Ben.

To keep up with Chaliff, follow him on Twitter @MattChaliff.

 

MORE INFO …

Kentucky FFA Association