What does an Extension Agent do?

Tennessee Extension agents are teachers who work in rural, suburban and urban areas with people from all social, economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our classrooms are everywhere…anywhere a person can learn. The classroom may be the county Extension office, an auditorium, an agribusiness firm, a farm, a suburban garden plot or the family home. Agents also use newspapers, radio, television, web sites, and direct mail (or email) as techniques to reach Tennesseans with the latest research information to improve their lives.   In an Extension Career we value:

  • Excellence in faculty, staff and programs…
  • Education (wherever it takes place)…
  • The People of Tennessee, the reason we exist…
  • Communicators who can reach clientele at any level…
  • Scientists who take research to useful adoption…
  • Problem solving and meeting real needs…
  • Partnerships among individuals and organizations…
  • Leadership as we guide communities…
  • Dedication and loyalty to our purpose, organization and clientele…
  • Professional purpose and growth…
  • Innovators in the forefront of their profession…
  • Diversity as differences enrich us…
  • Accountability for our programs, personnel and other resources…
  • Caring professionals intent upon improving quality of life for Tennesseans and clientele…
Farmer and family with agent talking
Coutny meeting