Train the Trainer: Empowering Master Gardener Volunteers to Expand Educational Reach
Extension Education
Clarissa Chairez
Residential Horticulture Agent
United States
Orlando
Abstract
Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) extend the reach of the MGV Coordinator, enabling educational programs to scale beyond the capacity of an individual Extension Agent. Through structured training, volunteers gain the skills and confidence needed to serve as effective educators, expanding the program’s overall impact.
Since 2022, trained MGVs have conducted 85 classes, educating 1,472 members of the general public. A longstanding program within the Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer Program is the HeadStart preschool gardening curriculum. This initiative originally followed a Train the Trainer model, and now veteran volunteers take the lead in training new volunteers. Since 2022, MGVs have conducted 224 preschool gardening classes, reaching 8,923 students.
To build confidence and effectiveness in volunteer educators, three key training programs were implemented. The Vegetable Garden Teacher Training, led by Calvin Gardner, Extension Faculty, resulted in six classes reaching 69 participants in 2024–2025, with five additional sessions scheduled. The Garden Guided Tours transitioned from Agent co-taught sessions to completely volunteer-led tours, with volunteers independently leading 2 tours to 18 participants in 2025, with 2 additional tours scheduled. The Community Educator Bi-Monthly Training program provided volunteers with tools and technical skills to enhance their presentations, including training on PowerPoint, Canva, accessibility, and copyright compliance.
By equipping volunteers with teaching skills, we have increased the number of public-facing programs offered and improved the sustainability of Extension’s educational outreach. The continued training of new volunteers by experienced MGVs ensures program longevity and long-term impact.
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: Clarissa Chairez, Calvin Gardner
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Chairez, C. Residential Horticulture Agent , UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, Florida, 32812
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Gardner, C. Urban Residential Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, Florida, 32812