By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
Teachers can grow their knowledge of agriculture this summer and learn to incorporate agricultural concepts in their classroom with help from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).
The state’s largest farm and ranch organization will host its annual Summer Ag Institute June 1-4 in Waco at the TFB Conference and Training Center.
Teachers from across the Lone Star State get a first-hand look at agriculture through the professional development event.
“A teacher can go to a professional development workshop and sit in front of folks who are lecturing and presenting slideshows, but we actually take them out into the field to see how farms and ranches operate,” TFB Director of Educational Outreach Jordan Walker said. “They also learn how those disciplines relate to science, social studies, math and more.”
Regardless of the subject, agriculture has a place in the classroom, Walker noted.
“The program gives teachers the tools to help students explore every part of Texas agriculture,” she said. “Teachers can ask questions and get more information to be better equipped to bring agriculture to life in their classroom.”
Teachers get to see the agricultural concepts demonstrated by educational professionals through the Summer Ag Institute. They’ll also make connections with farmers, ranchers and industry professionals.
And there will be several opportunities for teachers to get their hands dirty.
“It’s wonderful because our teachers get hands-on, in-the-field experience,” Walker said. “They can take that back to their students fully understanding the concept, because they’ve seen it in action. It’s just a unique view into agriculture that most people don’t get to see.”
Upon completion, teachers bring home activity ideas, lesson plans and a wealth of resources. Teachers also receive 36 hours of continuing professional education credits as authorized by the Texas Education Agency.
Any active K-12 teacher of any subject can apply to attend.
The cost is $375 per person, which includes lodging and some meals, but county Farm Bureaus often offer sponsorships to cover the costs for local teachers.
Applications are due April 17.
Click here for more information and to register.
Contact Walker at 254.751.2569 or jwalker1@txfb.org with questions.