By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation is now accepting nominations for its annual Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award. This award is open to pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers across Iowa who are not in vocational programs.
The purpose is to honor educators who have successfully integrated agriculture into their teaching to increase students' understanding of the importance of food and agriculture in their daily lives.
Nominations are open until November 17, 2024. The winning teacher will be announced in December and he will receive $500 to support classroom activities.
In addition, the winner will receive up to $1,000 to cover expenses for attending the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, which will take place from June 23 to 26 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Exceptional teachers use innovative methods to help students connect food production, health, energy, economics, and the environment.
These educators show how agriculture plays a significant role in many aspects of life, from food to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers. By teaching students about agriculture, teachers foster a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Last year’s award winner, Melissa James, a science teacher from Center Point-Urbana, was recognized for her creative approach to integrating agriculture into biology and botany classes.
Her students learned about topics ranging from GMOs to soil structures and ethanol production. She also created a popular garden club for her school.
Teachers can either apply directly for the award or be nominated by colleagues, community members, or agriculture advocates.
Nominations serve as encouragement for teachers to apply by recognizing their efforts to incorporate agriculture into education. All applicants must submit their official application by the November 17 deadline.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-lisegagne
Categories: Iowa, Education