By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
Eleven teachers from across the Lone Star State attended the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference last month in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The conference, which helps teachers understand how to incorporate agricultural concepts into the classroom, was a great learning experience and allowed those in attendance to network with teachers from all over the U.S.
“This is a truly incredible opportunity for Texas teachers to learn how agricultural concepts can be used in their classes,” Dakota Fleming, associate director for Urban and Educational Outreach at Texas Farm Bureau (TFB), said. “Reading, writing, math—you name it, agriculture can help teach it.”
Those attending the conference were able to hear from leaders throughout the industry on the wide variety of subjects that can benefit from incorporating agricultural concepts. Speakers included Temple Grandin, a noted animal expert and advocate for the autistic community, and Dr. Marty Matlock, executive director of the University of Arkansas Resiliency Center.
It was an eye-opening experience for Dana Snyder, a teacher at Old Union Elementary in Southlake. Her school district, like many urban districts, does not have a 4-H or FFA program, so the opportunities for students to learn about agriculture are limited.
But Snyder now plans to use TFB’s resources, such as Ag in the Classroom and the school visit program, to bring agriculture to her students.
Visiting with the other teachers on the trip proved to be another benefit, Snyder said.
“We talked to each other about how we are all trying to do the same thing, but we weren’t sure about the best way to do it,” she said. “We all learned from the different attempts we have each made, what worked and what didn’t, what age groups we teach. Combining those conversations with what we learned at the conference was extremely beneficial.”
Snyder was one of 10 recipients who were awarded TFB scholarships to attend the conference. The scholarships helped cover up to $500 in conference registration fees and travel to Little Rock. Two meals were reimbursed from the trip, as well.
Other scholarship recipients included: Charite Wright, Troup Elementary School; Cheryl Murrey, Monday Elementary; Dorothy Cassetta, Carroll High School; Julie Wester, Creek View Elementary; Laura Glaze, St. Philip Catholic School; Marah Maclaire Walls, Fredericksburg High School; Meagan Elizabeth Terry, Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program–Excel Academy; Mendy Davis, Alvin Elementary; and Nanette Mills, Overton Ray Elementary.
Mary Beth Bauer, a science teacher at Our Lady of the Hills High School in Kerrville and the 2018 AITC Outstanding Teacher Award winner, also attended the trip.