Many teachers throughout Iowa integrate agriculture into their classrooms to enrich student learning experiences. Through an awards program of the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation, teachers can be recognized for their efforts.
The Iowa Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award is open to teachers of pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The award will recognize an Iowa teacher for their integrated efforts to teach students about the importance of food and agriculture and increase students' agriculture literacy. An agriculturally literate person understands and can communicate the source and value of food and agriculture as it affects quality of life.
Applications will be accepted through Nov. 18 and the winner will be selected and recognized in December. The selected Iowa teacher will receive $500 to support their classroom instruction. They will also receive up to $1,000 to cover expenses to attend the 2023 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference to be held in Orlando, Fla. June 27-30.
Exemplary teachers will showcase innovative ways they integrate food and agriculture in their classrooms. Agriculture can be the vehicle to teach a number of other content areas and apply these concepts in a relevant way for Iowa students. Creative teachers will help students make connections between food production, health, energy systems, economics, the environment, and their interconnectedness in agriculture. Pioneering teachers will help students connect to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers.
Last year's winner, Megan Johnson, is an elementary school teacher from Lone Tree Community Schools. Her first-grade curriculum included experiments with plants, investigating animal habitats, and virtual field trips to local farms.
New this year, teachers can be nominated by a third party. Any person that knows a teacher who might be a good fit for this award can nominate them. Teachers nominated will be notified that a community member supports their efforts and would like them to apply. Nominated teachers must apply officially by November 18.
For more information or to apply online visit https://www.iowaagliteracy.org.
Categories: Iowa, Education