State Curriculum, Local Delivery: Facilitating Extension Master Gardener Training in Tennessee
Extension Education
Anna Duncan
Extension Specialist
University of Tennessee
Decherd
Abstract
Tennessee Extension Master Gardener volunteers (TEMGs) are a trusted source for horticultural knowledge in Tennessee communities, so it is essential that state horticulture leadership provides them with high quality, consistent, research-based training. This training is delivered through a collaborative effort by faculty, staff, and agents to over 500 new trainees each year and combines the consistency of a state program with the intimacy and connection of a local one. Arming local facilitators and volunteers with a wealth of teaching and learning resources such as a facilitation guide with lesson plans and discussion guides, an intern training website, and coordinated lectures that provide consistent, high-quality information from experts in their fields. Data collected from 2025 trainees indicated a 42-46% self-assessed knowledge gain upon completion of the program. Local Extension agents set their fees for Master Gardener training at between $150-$250, but according to 568 2025 TEMG interns, the Collaborative Intern Training was worth between $1839 and $1895.But TEMGs are not the only ones that highly value the program. This collaborative model supports greater flexibility for all agents and an incredible support system for new agents. Each county coordinator may choose to offer the program synchronously or asynchronously to meet the needs of their workload and trainees’ schedules. The TEMG educational philosophy is based on the principle that the ‘curriculum builds the house, but the agent makes it a home.’ To bring this to fulfillment, the Collaborative Intern Training integrates the educational model of Bloom’s Taxonomy, which guides learners from remembering to creation of original works through intentional curriculum design, and the psychological theory of Maslow’s five-tiered pyramid of needs ranging from survival to self-actualization. These frameworks serve as guiding principles for agent coordinators and provide direction and instruction on the coordinators’ roles, not only to teach, but also to facilitate connection and belonging within the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Anna Duncan, Natalie Bumgarner, Emily Richards, Celeste Scott
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Duncan, A. Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 37324-4314
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Bumgarner, N. Professor, Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 37996
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Richards, E. Extension Agent, University of Tennessee, Sumner County, Tennessee, 37066
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Scott, C. Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 38301-3201