Whose reality counts? Professional development needs of state extension specialists

abstract

• Professional development is a planned experience designed to change behavior and result in professional and/or personal growth that enhances organizational effectiveness (Bryan & Schwartz, 1998). University of Florida Extension (UFE) state specialists have numerous responsibilities including the charge to remain current with research in their particular field and contribute to statewide extension programming. Specialists are educated in a technical discipline and are employed after the obtainment of a Ph.D. Most UFE specialists hold joint appointments between extension and either academic programs or research. However, conflicts exist between promotion and tenure pressures (which often overemphasizes research publications) and the need to support extension programming. Once employed, specialists have professional development opportunities through UFE, as well as their involvement in technical professional associations. Since few studies have been conducted in relation to the professional development needs of state specialists, this study will supply foundational information to staff development professionals, extension administrators, and graduate student advisors who counsel future state specialists.

authors

• Baker, Matt

published proceedings

• Journal of Southern Agricultural Education Research

author list (cited authors)

• Baker, M., Allen, T., Bata, O., Villalobos, H., & Pomeroy, C.

complete list of authors

• Baker, Matt||Allen, T||Bata, O||Villalobos, H||Pomeroy, C

publication date

• January 2000

start page

• 216

end page

• 217

volume

• 50

issue

• 1

URL

• http://www.jsaer.org/pdf/vol50Whole.pdf