Advanced Training Program Purpose and information:
The Master Gardener Advanced Training: Texas Superstar® program is designed to provide advanced training and resources to Master Gardeners and certify them to be part of a state corps of Texas Superstar® volunteers and educators.
To become a certified Master Gardener Advanced Training: Texas Superstar®, Master Gardeners are required to attend the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Texas Superstar® to fulfill training requirements and subsequently meet service requirements described below. This certification does not empower the individual with supervisory or administrative authority within her/his local county programs.
Master Gardener Advanced Training: Texas Superstar® training will be comprised of high-quality training combined with hands-on experience covering how and why the Texas Superstar® program began; the colorization of the Texas bluebonnet; education on Texas Superstar® vegetables, trees, annuals and perennials; and how to distinguish superstars from other plants.
What it takes to be a Superstar®
It isn’t easy to become a Texas Superstar® plant. Only the toughest, most reliable and best-looking plants make the cut. Every plant earning the Texas Superstar® designation undergoes several years of extensive field trials by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, both part of the Texas A&M System. They must be shown to be super-performing plants under Texas growing conditions. During the field trials, plants receive minimal soil preparation, reasonable levels of water and no pesticides.
Participation requirements:
To be eligible for the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Texas Superstar®, an individual must possess an up-to-date Master Gardener certification, or be an employee of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Master Gardener applicants must be approved by their local County Extension Agent.
Position Description and Service Requirements:
The Master Gardener Advanced Training: Texas Superstar® is charged to increase awareness, provide training in Texas Superstar® and facilitate implementation of Texas Superstar® practices on a home/neighborhood/community level.
Service requirements include, but are not limited to:
• Serving as a local Master Gardener Advanced Training: Texas Superstar® resource
• Volunteer 20 hours above and beyond their county’s volunteer obligation
• Assisting with Texas Superstar® training for Master Gardeners and trainees
• Serving as a local Master Gardener Advanced Training: Texas Superstar® resource in the Extension program for a minimum of one year
• Assisting in educating Master Gardeners, interns, and the public in Texas Superstars®
• Increasing client awareness and implementation of Texas Superstars® through presentations, training, and mass media efforts (i.e. radio, newspaper, social media, television, and newsletters)
• Submitting a completed Texas Superstar® Advanced Training Volunteer Report Form as directed for certification
• Optional: submit TMGA reimbursement paperwork
Advanced Training recognition and certification:
Upon completion of the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Texas Superstar® service requirements, the Master Gardener will be awarded a Master Gardener Advanced Training certificate and lapel pin.
Resources Available to the Master Gardener: Texas Superstar®:
• Texas Superstar® advanced training and networking with presenters
• Educational materials on Texas Superstar®
• Direct access to Texas A&M AgriLife County Extension Agent – Horticulture and AgriLife Program Specialist
