By Blake Jackson
Over 30 Pennsylvania teachers recently embarked on a unique learning journey at Penn State University. The Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation's Educator's Ag Institute provided them with a deeper understanding of agriculture and how to integrate it into their classrooms.
The week-long program offered separate tracks for experienced and new educators (Educator's Ag Institute 1.0 & 2.0). Both tracks featured:
- Gift Bags: Attendees received resources and goodies to use in their classrooms.
- Continuing Education Credits: Participants earned valuable credits for professional development.
- Educational Tours: Field trips showcased diverse agricultural practices, from Way's Fruit Farm to Penn State's dairy and poultry operations.
- Guest Speakers: Experts from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Pennsylvania Dairy Princesses, and other organizations shared their knowledge.
- Interactive Workshops: Sessions covered topics like landscaping, sustainability, and aeroponics, equipping teachers with engaging classroom materials.
Kelly Damore, a fifth-grade teacher, highlighted the program's value: "I gain insights to share with my students and translate them into our curriculum standards."
Beth Keller, a second-grade teacher, finds the program particularly beneficial for her urban students. "This experience offers creative ways to bring the outside world into my classroom."
Local 4-H members played a vital role, showcasing their projects and answering teachers' questions. This interaction fostered communication skills and confidence in the young presenters.
The program culminated in a celebratory dinner where attendees received certificates for their commitment to agricultural education.
This initiative addresses a critical need: ag literacy. By educating the next generation about the origins of their food and the importance of agriculture, these teachers are helping to cultivate a more informed and sustainable future.
Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education